{"id":16704,"date":"2026-05-09T20:20:36","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T14:35:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=16704"},"modified":"2026-05-09T20:20:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T14:35:36","slug":"eight-key-indicators-to-check-heart-health-experts-advise-immediate-medical-attention-if-symptoms-appear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=16704","title":{"rendered":"Eight Key Indicators to Check Heart Health, Experts Advise Immediate Medical Attention if Symptoms Appear<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kathmandu. Many people mistakenly believe their heart is completely healthy simply because they have never experienced any heart-related problems, doctors say. However, the actual condition of the heart cannot be gauged through superficial experience alone, and only eight key indicators can unlock the door to the heart’s true state of health, they add.<\/p>\n

According to experts, the first indicator is the heart rate. In a normal resting state, a heart rate of 60 to 80 beats per minute is considered most ideal, while a range of 50 to 90 beats per minute is also not a cause for concern. A rate below 50 beats per minute may suggest that the heart’s conduction system is not functioning normally and, in serious cases, a pacemaker may be required. A rate exceeding 90 beats per minute, however, could indicate a congenital predisposition to a rapid heartbeat, and if this condition persists for a long time, the heart’s capacity may gradually weaken, doctors warn. During sleep, a heart rate above 40 beats per minute is considered normal, while athletes tend to have even lower heart rates.<\/p>\n

The second indicator is heart rhythm. A healthy heart’s rhythm should be steady, which is medically referred to as sinus rhythm. This signals that the heart’s electrical system is functioning normally. If an electrocardiogram report states ‘sinus rhythm’, it is considered a fundamental sign that the heart has no issues. However, if problems such as atrial fibrillation appear, it suggests a disturbance in the heart’s electrical system, which can lead to irregular heartbeats, fatigue, and even an increased risk of stroke.
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

The third indicator is blood pressure. Since excessively high blood pressure can cause blood vessels to burst and very low pressure can lead to insufficient blood circulation, experts advise that blood pressure should not exceed 135\/85 when measured at home and 140\/90 when measured at a hospital. Ideally, it should be controlled within 130\/80. Prolonged high blood pressure places an excessive load on the heart beyond its capacity, causing the heart muscle to thicken and stiffen, ultimately risking a decline in the heart’s pumping strength.<\/p>\n

The fourth indicator is the level of fatty substances. Long-term elevated levels of this ‘oily waste’ in the blood make it sticky, leading to the formation of deposits on blood vessel walls that can easily form clots. As clots grow, they can eventually block blood vessels. The correct level of fatty substances should be below 1.7 millimoles per litre. Experts say the best ways to control it include consuming less fat, engaging in more physical activity, and drinking less alcohol.<\/p>\n

The fifth indicator is bad cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein is called ‘bad cholesterol’ and is a primary cause of blood clot formation, posing even greater harm than other fatty substances. The target levels for bad cholesterol differ across population groups. For the general population, it should be below 3.4 millimoles per litre. For those at moderate risk, such as individuals with high blood pressure and diabetes, it should remain below 2.6. For those at higher risk, such as individuals who have already suffered a coronary artery blockage or stroke, it must be controlled below 1.8. For the very high-risk group, such as those who have experienced repeated heart and brain artery blockages, the level should be below 1.4 millimoles per litre.<\/p>\n

The sixth indicator is blood sugar level. Prolonged high blood sugar causes damage to blood vessels and narrows them, accelerating the clotting process. Fasting blood sugar should be below 6.1 millimoles per litre, and within two hours after a meal, it should remain below 11.1. If these figures are exceeded, diabetes should be suspected, and doctors note that the risk of heart and cerebrovascular diseases for diabetic patients is two to four times higher than that of the general population.<\/p>\n

The seventh indicator is the heart’s pumping capacity. The proper ejection fraction for the body’s blood circulation should range between 50 percent and 70 percent. This value is measured during an echocardiogram \u2014 a video X-ray of the heart \u2014 and shows how much blood the heart can pump in a single contraction. If the pumping capacity falls below 50 percent, the heart’s strength is considered insufficient, which may result in symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, and fluid retention.<\/p>\n

The eighth indicator is the extent of clots formed in blood vessels. Healthy blood vessels should be smooth and free of clots. If the blockage is less than 30 percent, controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar is sufficient. If the blockage exceeds 50 percent, however, it constitutes coronary artery disease, requiring medications such as aspirin and statins under medical guidance. If the blockage surpasses 75 percent, it signals a critical risk of imminent artery blockage, with the danger of a heart attack striking at any time, and experts recommend seeking immediate hospital treatment.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t <\/div><\/div>\n\t\t