Heart Attack Common Causes and Preventive Tips

The heart keeps you alive by pumping blood throughout your circulatory system. Heart diseases are one of the most common causes of death globally. A heart attack is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one happens every 40 seconds.

When oxygenated blood flow is restricted, it causes damage or death of the heart cells. Heart cells do not regenerate like most other cells of the body. This cell death causes sharp pain to originate. A cardiologist in Lahore explained in quite some detail the causes, symptoms, prevention, management, and treatment of a heart attack described as follows:

Causes of heart attacks 

A heart attack is also known as a myocardial infarction. The leading cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease. In this disease, one or more coronary arteries (the arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart) are blocked. This blockage is due to the deposit of plaque that are cholesterol deposits actually. When plaque gets deposited inside the arteries, it narrows the lumen, restricting blood flow through them. If this plaque breaks open, it may form a clot that may move and block another smaller artery or capillary. 

Not all heart attacks are caused by blocked arteries. Some infectious viruses or bacteria may directly attack the heart muscles, such as COVID-19. Smoking or other risk factors may sometimes cause spasms of the coronary artery leading to a heart attack. A heart artery may also tear as in the case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). This is a life-threatening condition. 

Risk factors

Multiple risk factors contribute to heart attacks. 

Cigarette smoking

Smoking and long-term exposure to secondary smoke harden the walls of the arteries. 

Age and gender

Men above 45 and women older than 55 are much more likely to suffer from a heart attack. Also, it is observed that men are more likely to have a heart attack than women. 

High cholesterol

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are bad cholesterol while high-density lipoproteins are good cholesterol. For the heart to function properly, LDL must be low and HDL must be high. People suffer more from heart attacks if their LDLs and triglycerides (a form of fat) are high and HDLs are much lower. 

Hypertension

High blood pressure damages the walls of the arteries and increases the risk even more

Sedentary lifestyle

Being inactive and not moving a lot causes fatty material to build up in your arteries, damaging and clogging them in the process. 

Obesity

Carrying extra weight is a problem leading to frequent heart attacks

Family History

A family history or coronary artery disease, hypertension or other heart problems may contribute as a major risk factor for you suffering from any one of these. 

Stress

When you’re under stress, the body produces a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for hypertension and reducing HDLs. ongoing stress narrows your arteries increasing the chances of a heart attack. 

Signs and symptoms

Important signs and symptoms of a heart attack to keep your eye out for include:

• Squeezing or tightening pain in your chest, arm, or below the sternum

• Discomfort that goes to your jaw and back

• Cold sweating, vomiting, or dizziness

• Shortness of breath 

• Heartburn or indigestion

• Unusual fatigue

• Heart palpitations

Preventive tips

You are more likely to suffer from another heart attack if you have already suffered from one. In order to avoid this one should take proper medications as described by the doctor. Regular checkups and lifestyle changes such as removing stress from your life, are important as well. 

You might need certain medications such as anti-coagulants (drugs which prevent clot formation), and cholesterol-lowering agents. It is also adamant that you do not skip any of your medicine. Take them timely and in the correct doses as prescribed for optimal health. 

Smoking is responsible for increasing the chances of strokes and heart attacks. You must stop smoking and any unwanted exposure to secondary smoke to avoid complications. 

Keeping a healthy body weight is crucial as well. Know what you put inside your body as a healthy diet is needed for good overall health. Avoid fried foods and excessive oil intake. Use olive oil in your cooking. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, and lean meats instead of red meats and processed foods. Include fish and whole grains as well. Stay away from foods rich in sugar and salt.

Conclusion 

 

While most people survive a heart attack, knowing how to prevent it is very important. One should know how to understand the tell-tale signs of an upcoming or ongoing heart attack to get the best medical treatment as soon as possible.

About Author