Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

What Is Swimmer's Itch? How To Get Rid Of This Common Summertime Rash

<span>Swimmer</span>'s itch is a rash caused by an allergic reaction to the larvae of microscopic parasites that are found in both fresh and saltwater. These parasites commonly live in snails, which secrete larvae into the water, per the CDC. 

Swimming in contaminated water for even a short period of time can cause swimmer’s itch, and after you come in contact with the larvae, “when the skin dries off, those parasites burrow under people's skin and cause an itchy rash,” says Dr. Christina Boull, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and pediatrics at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center. Read on to learn what symptoms to look out for and precautions you can take to prevent this uncomfortable summertime rash.

You can identify swimmer’s itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, from the little red dots that appear on your skin after you’ve been exposed to the parasites, Boull says. The rash will likely manifest on skin that was directly exposed to the water as opposed to skin protected by your bathing suit. For this reason, your arms and legs are particularly vulnerable to swimmer’s itch, she says. 

These dots typically appear 12 hours after exposure, and over the next day or two, some people may experience a more severe reaction with welts and blisters. “One of the main risk factors of complications from this rash would be a secondary bacterial infection.” If you scratch the rash, there’s a possibility of staph bacteria getting under your skin, leaving your body vulnerable to developing staph infections such as impetigo or cellulitis, she says.

<h2>What Can Be Mistaken For Swimmer's Itch?</h2>

When it comes to swimming in the ocean, seabather’s eruption is a rash that presents similar symptoms to swimmer’s itch. In terms of identifying whether your rash is swimmer’s itch or sea bather’s eruption, the latter tends to develop under a swimsuit, Boull explains. Comparatively, swimmer’s itch is more likely to appear in areas that are not protected by a swimsuit, she reiterates. Additionally, because swimmer’s itch presents as small red bumps, it is also commonly mistaken as bites caused by small bugs, such as gnats or mosquitoes, Boull says.

<h2>How Do You Get Rid Of Swimmer's Itch?</h2>

"The good news is that it spontaneously resolves," Boull says. Because people are the preferred hosts of the mites, they don’t live in the skin very long. Typically, the rash and itch significantly improve over the course of a week, although it's possible for it to last as long as three weeks, she says.

To quell the itching of the rash, Boull suggests 1% hydrocortisone, an over the counter topical steroid cream. She also recommends taking an oral antihistamine. In cases of severe itch, prescription oral prednisone and oral cortisone medicines can help relieve itch and inflammation.

If your swimmer’s itch has developed into blistering, open sores, and you’re experiencing fever, it could be signs of a secondary bacterial infection. In this case, it’s essential you see a doctor who can prescribe you oral antibiotics, Boull says.

<h2>Does <span rel="noindex">Showering</span> Kill Shower's Itchh?</h2>The parasites that cause swimmer’s itch can only burrow into your skin after you’ve dried off. “So, it's really important after getting out of a lake or areas where you're swimming that would have snails, that you take a towel and really wipe the water off your skin.” Showering after you’ve gotten out of the water can also help prevent the parasites from getting underneath your skin.

Does chlorine damage hair? Here’s how to protect your hair this swim season.

Snails tend to prefer warm, shallow water, so avoiding these areas can limit the possibility of exposure to the parasites. Finally, take note of no-swim zone signs that may indicate whether there are pathogens in the water.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Skin & Hair

swimmer

Swimmer's itch symptoms

Showering

Skin issues

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High-Fiber Healthy Drinks You Should Try

Swimmer's itch is a rash caused by an allergic reaction to the larvae of microscopic parasites that are found in both fresh and saltwater. These parasites commonly live in snails, which secrete larvae into the water, per the CDC. Swimming in contaminated water for even a short period of time can cause swimmer’s itch, and after you come in contact with the larvae, “when the skin dries off, those parasites burrow under people's skin and cause an itchy rash,” says Dr. Christina Boull, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and pediatrics at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center. Read on to learn what symptoms to look out for and precautions you can take to prevent this uncomfortable summertime rash.What Is Swimmer's Itch?You can identify swimmer’s itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, from the little red dots that appear on your skin after you’ve been exposed to the parasites, Boull says. The rash will likely manifest on skin that was directly exposed to the water as opposed to skin protected by your bathing suit. For this reason, your arms and legs are particularly vulnerable to swimmer’s itch, she says. These dots typically appear 12 hours after exposure, and over the next day or two, some people may experience a more severe reaction with welts and blisters. “One of the main risk factors of complications from this rash would be a secondary bacterial infection.” If you scratch the rash, there’s a possibility of staph bacteria getting under your skin, leaving your body vulnerable to developing staph infections such as impetigo or cellulitis, she says.What Can Be Mistaken For Swimmer's Itch?When it comes to swimming in the ocean, seabather’s eruption is a rash that presents similar symptoms to swimmer’s itch. In terms of identifying whether your rash is swimmer’s itch or sea bather’s eruption, the latter tends to develop under a swimsuit, Boull explains. Comparatively, swimmer’s itch is more likely to appear in areas that are not protected by a swimsuit, she reiterates. Additionally, because swimmer’s itch presents as small red bumps, it is also commonly mistaken as bites caused by small bugs, such as gnats or mosquitoes, Boull says.How Do You Get Rid Of Swimmer's Itch?"The good news is that it spontaneously resolves," Boull says. Because people are the preferred hosts of the mites, they don’t live in the skin very long. Typically, the rash and itch significantly improve over the course of a week, although it's possible for it to last as long as three weeks, she says.To quell the itching of the rash, Boull suggests 1% hydrocortisone, an over the counter topical steroid cream. She also recommends taking an oral antihistamine. In cases of severe itch, prescription oral prednisone and oral cortisone medicines can help relieve itch and inflammation.If your swimmer’s itch has developed into blistering, open sores, and you’re experiencing fever, it could be signs of a secondary bacterial infection. In this case, it’s essential you see a doctor who can prescribe you oral antibiotics, Boull says.Does Showering Kill Shower's Itchh?The parasites that cause swimmer’s itch can only burrow into your skin after you’ve dried off. “So, it's really important after getting out of a lake or areas where you're swimming that would have snails, that you take a towel and really wipe the water off your skin.” Showering after you’ve gotten out of the water can also help prevent the parasites from getting underneath your skin.Does chlorine damage hair? Here’s how to protect your hair this swim season.Snails tend to prefer warm, shallow water, so avoiding these areas can limit the possibility of exposure to the parasites. Finally, take note of no-swim zone signs that may indicate whether there are pathogens in the water.

what is swimmer's itch? how to get rid of this common summertime rash

Aarushi Bhadury

Accelerated Biological Aging Could Make You At Risk For Dementia: Study

Fitness

Biking Can Help Your Brain Stay Young - Study Finds Biking To Reduce Risk Of Dementia

biking can help your brain stay young - study finds biking to reduce risk of dementia

Appendix Cancer vs. Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes And How To Tell the Difference Early

appendix cancer vs. diverticulitis: symptoms, causes and how to tell the difference early

Nutrition

what is the 'meal memory' cell that leads to overeating?

Parents Could Be Leading Their Children To Food Allergies Unknowingly

parents could be leading their children to food allergies unknowingly

We have all heard people say that they are old souls trapped in a young body, however, this is a figure of speech people use. While this phrase may mean you like old school things, it can also happen literally. Sometimes your body ages faster than you do, but this is the biological age we are talking about. While chronological aging is counted as the years we have lived, biological age can be faster or slower. 

Think of it as perishable food. If you leave them in unfavorable environments, they can spoil fast, becoming edible. However, when you keep them in the correct environment with even temperature, the food will stay edible for longer than it should. Our bodies are similar in that sense. If you take care of it, limiting processed food, exercising and taking care of your health, you will find that your biological age is much slower or healthier than a person who does the opposite. However, what is the connection between biological aging and our lifestyle. How do we age slower/faster depending on our choices. 

A new study suggests that signs of faster aging in your body are connected to a <span>higher chance of developing dementia</span> and stroke. Specifically, researchers found that people with <span>shorter telomeres</span> in their white blood cells tend to have an increased risk of these two brain conditions. These findings were published recently in the journal <span>Neurology</span>. 

<h2>What Are Telomeres and Why Do They Matter? </h2>

Think of telomeres as the protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes, much like the plastic tips on shoelaces. They prevent your chromosomes from unraveling and getting damaged. Every time your cells divide, these telomeres get a little shorter. This makes them a useful way to estimate a person's biological age, which is how much wear and tear your body has accumulated from stress over time, rather than just your age in years. Your biological age can be quite different from your actual age. 

<h2>Lifestyle Habits Can Counter the Risk </h2>

However, there's good news: the study found that this link between shorter telomeres and brain diseases wasn't present in people who maintained healthy lifestyle habits. This suggests that even if your body shows signs of faster aging, you can still reduce your risk of age-related brain diseases. This includes things like keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. These healthy choices can help delay the aging of your cells and lower your chances of developing these conditions, especially if you're already at a higher risk.

For this study, researchers looked at genetic data from over 356,000 people. They categorized participants into three groups based on the length of their telomeres: short, medium, or long. They then compared telomere length to people's lifestyle habits and whether they had developed dementia, stroke, or depression. 

Over an average of seven years, nearly 26,000 people developed at least one of these three age-related brain diseases. People with the shortest telomeres had significantly more cases of these brain diseases compared to those with the longest telomeres. Overall, after considering other risk factors, individuals with short telomeres were 11% more likely to develop one of these brain diseases. More specifically, they faced an 8% increased risk of stroke, a 19% increased risk of dementia, and a 14% increased risk of late-life dementia.

It's important to remember that this study shows a connection, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship between telomere length and brain health. 

Accelerated Biological Aging

neurology

lifestyle habits can counter the risk however

shorter telomeres

higher chance of developing dementia

dementia and stroke

We have all heard people say that they are old souls trapped in a young body, however, this is a figure of speech people use. While this phrase may mean you like old school things, it can also happen literally. Sometimes your body ages faster than you do, but this is the biological age we are talking about. While chronological aging is counted as the years we have lived, biological age can be faster or slower. Think of it as perishable food. If you leave them in unfavorable environments, they can spoil fast, becoming edible. However, when you keep them in the correct environment with even temperature, the food will stay edible for longer than it should. Our bodies are similar in that sense. If you take care of it, limiting processed food, exercising and taking care of your health, you will find that your biological age is much slower or healthier than a person who does the opposite. However, what is the connection between biological aging and our lifestyle. How do we age slower/faster depending on our choices. A new study suggests that signs of faster aging in your body are connected to a higher chance of developing dementia and stroke. Specifically, researchers found that people with shorter telomeres in their white blood cells tend to have an increased risk of these two brain conditions. These findings were published recently in the journal Neurology. What Are Telomeres and Why Do They Matter? Think of telomeres as the protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes, much like the plastic tips on shoelaces. They prevent your chromosomes from unraveling and getting damaged. Every time your cells divide, these telomeres get a little shorter. This makes them a useful way to estimate a person's biological age, which is how much wear and tear your body has accumulated from stress over time, rather than just your age in years. Your biological age can be quite different from your actual age. Lifestyle Habits Can Counter the Risk However, there's good news: the study found that this link between shorter telomeres and brain diseases wasn't present in people who maintained healthy lifestyle habits. This suggests that even if your body shows signs of faster aging, you can still reduce your risk of age-related brain diseases. This includes things like keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. These healthy choices can help delay the aging of your cells and lower your chances of developing these conditions, especially if you're already at a higher risk. Shorter Telomeres, Higher Risk For this study, researchers looked at genetic data from over 356,000 people. They categorized participants into three groups based on the length of their telomeres: short, medium, or long. They then compared telomere length to people's lifestyle habits and whether they had developed dementia, stroke, or depression. Over an average of seven years, nearly 26,000 people developed at least one of these three age-related brain diseases. People with the shortest telomeres had significantly more cases of these brain diseases compared to those with the longest telomeres. Overall, after considering other risk factors, individuals with short telomeres were 11% more likely to develop one of these brain diseases. More specifically, they faced an 8% increased risk of stroke, a 19% increased risk of dementia, and a 14% increased risk of late-life dementia.It's important to remember that this study shows a connection, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship between telomere length and brain health. 

accelerated biological aging could make you at risk for dementia: study

Fighting The Urge To Pee When You See The Bathroom - Study Finds Treatment For 'Latchkey Incontinence'

Study Finds Treatment For 'Latchkey Incontinence'

Ayurveda

Can Ayurveda Helps Us Fix Our Sleeping Habits?

can ayurveda helps us fix our sleeping habits?

Sometimes it feels like our bladder has a mind of its own, ringing the washroom alarm at the most inconvenient times. However, what makes it more difficult is that many people, who have difficulty holding the urge or have any bladder issues, find it very difficult to make it in time. 

Have you ever felt a sudden, strong urge to pee right when you see your front door, put your key in the lock, or open your garage? This common experience is called "<span>latchkey incontinence</span>." Researchers believe they've found ways to <span>reduce these sudden urges</span> and bladder leaks triggered by such familiar cues.

A recent study, published in the June issue of Continence, shows that both mindfulness training and brain stimulation helped reduce bladder leaks in people with latchkey incontinence. Bladder leaks can be very distressing. As one researcher explained, "Incontinence is a massive deal." People might avoid social activities or exercise because they worry about accidents, which can lead to loneliness and depression, especially for older adults. 

<h2>Why Do People Get The Urge To Pee When You See A Bathroom?</h2>

Latchkey incontinence is a type of situational urgency incontinence, meaning specific triggers make you feel like you need to urinate right away. Other common triggers include hearing or seeing running water, or walking past a public restroom. 

This is similar to Pavlovian conditioning: after years of going to the bathroom once you're inside your house, your body learns to associate certain actions, like opening your front door, with the need to urinate. Earlier research connected latchkey incontinence to a specific part of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This area becomes more active when people are shown their personal triggers. This part of the brain acts like the "executive control center" for your bladder, telling you it's time to go. 

<h2>What Are the New Testing Treatments?</h2>

For this study, researchers wanted to find ways to control this brain response. They worked with 61 women over 40 who experienced situational urgency incontinence. These women were divided into three groups while viewing photos of their personal triggers: 

<ul><li>One group listened to a 20-minute mindfulness exercise.</li><li>Another group received brain stimulation through electrodes placed on their scalp.</li><li>The third group received both mindfulness and brain stimulation.</li></ul>

The mindfulness exercise involved paying attention to different parts of their body, including any bladder sensations. After just four in-office sessions over five or six days, all three groups experienced less urgency and fewer leaks. The improvements were similar to those seen with other treatments like medication or physical therapy for the pelvic floor. 

These results are very encouraging because they suggest that tools like mindfulness can be an alternative or an additional way to improve symptoms. Most participants completed the study, and some even sent "thank you cards," showing how much this research meant to them. Incontinence is often a difficult topic to discuss, and many people don't realize that treatments are available. As one researcher said, "You don’t have to suffer in silence." 

Next, researchers plan to test the mindfulness therapy in living facilities for seniors and hope to eventually create a smartphone app that can help people manage their symptoms.

women health

latchkey incontinence

fighting the urge to pee

treatment for 'latchkey incontinence'

bladder health

solutions for bladder leaks

reduce these sudden urges

Sometimes it feels like our bladder has a mind of its own, ringing the washroom alarm at the most inconvenient times. However, what makes it more difficult is that many people, who have difficulty holding the urge or have any bladder issues, find it very difficult to make it in time. Have you ever felt a sudden, strong urge to pee right when you see your front door, put your key in the lock, or open your garage? This common experience is called "latchkey incontinence." Researchers believe they've found ways to reduce these sudden urges and bladder leaks triggered by such familiar cues.A recent study, published in the June issue of Continence, shows that both mindfulness training and brain stimulation helped reduce bladder leaks in people with latchkey incontinence. Bladder leaks can be very distressing. As one researcher explained, "Incontinence is a massive deal." People might avoid social activities or exercise because they worry about accidents, which can lead to loneliness and depression, especially for older adults. Why Do People Get The Urge To Pee When You See A Bathroom?Latchkey incontinence is a type of situational urgency incontinence, meaning specific triggers make you feel like you need to urinate right away. Other common triggers include hearing or seeing running water, or walking past a public restroom. This is similar to Pavlovian conditioning: after years of going to the bathroom once you're inside your house, your body learns to associate certain actions, like opening your front door, with the need to urinate. Earlier research connected latchkey incontinence to a specific part of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This area becomes more active when people are shown their personal triggers. This part of the brain acts like the "executive control center" for your bladder, telling you it's time to go. What Are the New Testing Treatments?For this study, researchers wanted to find ways to control this brain response. They worked with 61 women over 40 who experienced situational urgency incontinence. These women were divided into three groups while viewing photos of their personal triggers: One group listened to a 20-minute mindfulness exercise.Another group received brain stimulation through electrodes placed on their scalp.The third group received both mindfulness and brain stimulation.The mindfulness exercise involved paying attention to different parts of their body, including any bladder sensations. After just four in-office sessions over five or six days, all three groups experienced less urgency and fewer leaks. The improvements were similar to those seen with other treatments like medication or physical therapy for the pelvic floor. These results are very encouraging because they suggest that tools like mindfulness can be an alternative or an additional way to improve symptoms. Most participants completed the study, and some even sent "thank you cards," showing how much this research meant to them. Incontinence is often a difficult topic to discuss, and many people don't realize that treatments are available. As one researcher said, "You don’t have to suffer in silence." Next, researchers plan to test the mindfulness therapy in living facilities for seniors and hope to eventually create a smartphone app that can help people manage their symptoms.

Fighting The Urge To Pee When You See The Bathroom? 'Latchkey Incontinence' Is Real And Now We  Have A Treatment

fighting the urge to pee when you see the bathroom - study finds treatment for 'latchkey incontinence'

Tanya Dutt

Alarming Signs of Heart Blockages You Can Spot At Home, Cardiologist Shares Life Saving Tips

Health News

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Limited Drinking Is NOT Safe, Says American Heart Association

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With the rising number of cases related to various heart related issues, health anxiety can provoke spiralling thoughts like "what if I am getting a heart attack now" or "can I prevent a heart attack"? If your body is whispering a warning that you can’t afford to ignore it.

In the high-stakes world of <span>heart health</span>, seconds count. Yet many people fail to recognize early warning signs of heart blockages until it's too late. While sophisticated tests like ECGs and angiograms are crucial, what if your own body could offer clues long before a medical emergency unfolds? According to leading cardiac experts, it often does.

So, how can you detect these warning signs without a single test? And what should you do if you're home alone when symptoms strike? A leading heart surgeon breaks it all down for you.

With rising cardiovascular disease rates worldwide—especially among younger adults—being able to identify early red flags of heart blockages from the comfort of your home isn’t just helpful; it could be life-saving. Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon from Georgia and a popular voice in the heart health community, is on a mission to teach everyday people how to read their body’s signals and act swiftly in case of a cardiac emergency.

<h2>Spotting Heart Blockages Without Medical Tests</h2>

Dr. London emphasizes that no blood test or medical scan is a substitute for listening to your own body. “How can you tell that you may have important blockages of the heart arteries without a single blood test, X-ray, or ECG?” he asks. “Well, not surprisingly, you have to listen to your body.”

The human heart often signals distress long before it fails. According to Dr. London, four symptoms deserve immediate attention:

<ul><li>Chest tightness or discomfort</li><li>Persistent chest pain</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Radiating pain to the jaw or arm</li></ul>

What’s critical, he says, is the pattern of these symptoms. “If these sensations worsen with exertion—like walking upstairs or brisk movement—and ease when you rest, that’s a red flag,” he explains. This pattern suggests the presence of a partially blocked artery struggling to meet the heart’s demand for oxygen during physical activity.

Dr. London likens it to a clogged pipe: “Let’s assume you have a blockage in the artery that feeds the front of the heart. When you move, that area becomes blood-starved and you experience symptoms. When you stop and rest, the demand drops, and so do the symptoms.”

<h2>What Are Silent Heart Blockages?</h2>

Not all heart blockages present textbook symptoms. Many people, especially women, diabetics, and older adults, may have "silent ischemia"—a form of heart disease without obvious discomfort. Dr. London cautions that while the presence of exertion-based chest pain is concerning, the absence of symptoms does not mean your arteries are clear.

This is why annual health checkups and paying close attention to subtle changes in physical endurance or energy levels are essential, especially for individuals over 40 or with a family history of cardiovascular issues.

<h2>What To Do If You Suspect a Heart Attack At Home?</h2>

If you feel you are experiencing a heart attack while alone at home is a terrifying scenario but there are crucial steps you can take to protect yourself until help arrives.

Time is the most critical factor. Don't wait for the symptoms to go away. Call emergency services without delay.

“If it's nighttime, turn on all your lights—inside and out—so EMS can identify your home quickly,” says Dr. London. He adds, “Unlock or even better, open your front door. If you become incapacitated, responders won’t have to break in or waste time trying to gain entry.”

This reduces the risk of injury if you faint. A fall during a cardiac event could compound the danger with head trauma or bone fractures.

If you can, alert a friend or family member. Not only can they come to assist, but they can also inform paramedics of your medical history, medications, or allergies if you’re unable to speak.

Dr. London strongly encourages households—especially those with elderly members or individuals at high risk of heart disease—to create a personalized emergency plan. “Preparation can save lives,” he says. Your plan should include:

<ul><li>Emergency contact numbers</li><li>Access to any prescribed medications like aspirin or nitroglycerin</li><li>Easy access to doors and visible house numbers</li><li>A buddy system or wellness check arrangement if living alone</li></ul>

<h2>Can You Prevent Blockages In Your Heart?</h2>

Spotting symptoms early is essential but preventing blockages in the first place is even better. A heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk:

Diet: Emphasize fiber-rich, whole foods while limiting saturated fats and processed sugar.

Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

Regular checkups: Keep tabs on cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels.

Stress management: Chronic stress can raise cortisol and blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Quit smoking: Tobacco use narrows arteries and increases plaque buildup.

Heart blockages often give off clues but only if we’re paying attention. Dr. Jeremy London’s insights offer a wake-up call to listen more closely to what our bodies are saying, especially during moments of physical exertion or unexplained fatigue.

Learning how to detect and respond to potential heart issues while at home doesn’t replace professional medical care but it can bridge the critical minutes between symptom onset and lifesaving intervention.

heart health

heart blockage symptoms

early signs of heart attack

detect heart disease at home

cardiac arrest warning signs

home heart health tips

cardiologist advice

chest pain causes

With the rising number of cases related to various heart related issues, health anxiety can provoke spiralling thoughts like "what if I am getting a heart attack now" or "can I prevent a heart attack"? If your body is whispering a warning that you can’t afford to ignore it.In the high-stakes world of heart health, seconds count. Yet many people fail to recognize early warning signs of heart blockages until it's too late. While sophisticated tests like ECGs and angiograms are crucial, what if your own body could offer clues long before a medical emergency unfolds? According to leading cardiac experts, it often does.So, how can you detect these warning signs without a single test? And what should you do if you're home alone when symptoms strike? A leading heart surgeon breaks it all down for you.With rising cardiovascular disease rates worldwide—especially among younger adults—being able to identify early red flags of heart blockages from the comfort of your home isn’t just helpful; it could be life-saving. Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon from Georgia and a popular voice in the heart health community, is on a mission to teach everyday people how to read their body’s signals and act swiftly in case of a cardiac emergency.Spotting Heart Blockages Without Medical TestsDr. London emphasizes that no blood test or medical scan is a substitute for listening to your own body. “How can you tell that you may have important blockages of the heart arteries without a single blood test, X-ray, or ECG?” he asks. “Well, not surprisingly, you have to listen to your body.”The human heart often signals distress long before it fails. According to Dr. London, four symptoms deserve immediate attention:Chest tightness or discomfortPersistent chest painShortness of breathRadiating pain to the jaw or armWhat’s critical, he says, is the pattern of these symptoms. “If these sensations worsen with exertion—like walking upstairs or brisk movement—and ease when you rest, that’s a red flag,” he explains. This pattern suggests the presence of a partially blocked artery struggling to meet the heart’s demand for oxygen during physical activity.  ]]>Dr. London likens it to a clogged pipe: “Let’s assume you have a blockage in the artery that feeds the front of the heart. When you move, that area becomes blood-starved and you experience symptoms. When you stop and rest, the demand drops, and so do the symptoms.”What Are Silent Heart Blockages?Not all heart blockages present textbook symptoms. Many people, especially women, diabetics, and older adults, may have "silent ischemia"—a form of heart disease without obvious discomfort. Dr. London cautions that while the presence of exertion-based chest pain is concerning, the absence of symptoms does not mean your arteries are clear.This is why annual health checkups and paying close attention to subtle changes in physical endurance or energy levels are essential, especially for individuals over 40 or with a family history of cardiovascular issues.What To Do If You Suspect a Heart Attack At Home?If you feel you are experiencing a heart attack while alone at home is a terrifying scenario but there are crucial steps you can take to protect yourself until help arrives.1. Call 911 ImmediatelyTime is the most critical factor. Don't wait for the symptoms to go away. Call emergency services without delay.2. Make Yourself Easy to Find“If it's nighttime, turn on all your lights—inside and out—so EMS can identify your home quickly,” says Dr. London. He adds, “Unlock or even better, open your front door. If you become incapacitated, responders won’t have to break in or waste time trying to gain entry.”3. Sit or Lie DownThis reduces the risk of injury if you faint. A fall during a cardiac event could compound the danger with head trauma or bone fractures.4. Inform Someone You TrustIf you can, alert a friend or family member. Not only can they come to assist, but they can also inform paramedics of your medical history, medications, or allergies if you’re unable to speak.Dr. London strongly encourages households—especially those with elderly members or individuals at high risk of heart disease—to create a personalized emergency plan. “Preparation can save lives,” he says. Your plan should include:Emergency contact numbersAccess to any prescribed medications like aspirin or nitroglycerinEasy access to doors and visible house numbersA buddy system or wellness check arrangement if living aloneCan You Prevent Blockages In Your Heart?Spotting symptoms early is essential but preventing blockages in the first place is even better. A heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk:Diet: Emphasize fiber-rich, whole foods while limiting saturated fats and processed sugar.Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.Regular checkups: Keep tabs on cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels.Stress management: Chronic stress can raise cortisol and blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular risk.Quit smoking: Tobacco use narrows arteries and increases plaque buildup.Heart blockages often give off clues but only if we’re paying attention. Dr. Jeremy London’s insights offer a wake-up call to listen more closely to what our bodies are saying, especially during moments of physical exertion or unexplained fatigue.Learning how to detect and respond to potential heart issues while at home doesn’t replace professional medical care but it can bridge the critical minutes between symptom onset and lifesaving intervention.

alarming signs of heart blockages you can spot at home, cardiologist shares life saving tips

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