Due to their unpredictability, acute symptoms, life-threatening consequences, and lack of control, heart attacks frighten individuals.
Dr. Jay Shah of HCG Hospitals in Ahmedabad says the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to every cell, tissue, and organ. Thus, heart health is vital to well-being and lifespan.
Heart attacks have increased in younger people. Dr. Shah recommends adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, minimizing stress, and managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. “Embracing these mindful choices empowers us to cultivate resilience and longevity, ensuring the optimal functioning of our hearts,” he stated.
Heart Attacks
CVD is the leading cause of death globally, according to the WHO. Heart attacks and strokes killed 85% of 1.79 crore CVD victims in 2019.
A blood clot stops blood flow to a heart muscle, causing a myocardial infarction. Now, a coronary artery blood clot may cause this obstruction. Most heart attacks are caused by atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaques of fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances form on the coronary artery walls. Plaques grow and arteries harden in coronary artery disease (CAD).
Risk Factors
Age increases heart attack risk. The Mayo Clinic says men and women over 45 and 55 are at danger. Men have more heart attacks than premenopausal women. Menopause risk is equivalent to men’s. JAMA Internal Medicine found that men had heart attacks twice as often as women across their lifetimes.
Family history: If a close relative had a heart attack before 55 for men or 65 for women, the risk is higher.
Hypertension strains the heart and blood arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack. Blood pushing too hard against artery walls causes it.
High “bad” cholesterol: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) plaque can restrict arteries and increase heart attack risk.
Smoking: Smoking greatly raises heart attack risk. Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces blood oxygen, increasing clot risk.
Obesity and inactivity can increase your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
Salt, sugar, saturated and trans fats increase heart attack risk.
Chronic stress promotes heart disease. The AHA says stress elevates blood pressure, increasing heart attack and stroke risk.
Heart Attack Symptoms
Chest pain or discomfort
Other bodily pain or discomfort, such as arms, back, neck, jaw
Respiratory difficulty or shortness of breath
Indigestion, nausea, vomiting
Cold sweat
Weakness or fatigue
Dizziness or faintness
Anxiety
Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease causes most heart attacks globally. The heart oxygenates all cells, tissues, and organs. Risk factors include age, family history, high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diet, and chronic stress. Cholesterol prevention decreases heart attack risk. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and treating chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension reduce heart attack risk.
