Essential lifestyle tweaks to avert heart attacks. What experts urge you to consider
A heart attack happens when there is a partial or total blockage in a coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle. This blockade often results from the atherosclerotic process, where fatty plaques accumulate on the arterial walls. These plaques can eventually dislodge and lead to blood clot formation.
10:11 PM EST, January 16, 2024
When a clot manages to completely block an artery, it causes ischemia or reduced blood flow to a particular part of the heart muscle, which ultimately results in a heart attack.
Identifying Risk Factors for a Heart Attack
Direct risk factors of a heart attack include atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and overweight or obesity. Even though we can control all these factors, genetic factors also significantly contribute to them.
Everyday Habits that Can Increase the Risk of Heart Attack
Poor diet. Consuming large quantities of saturated fats, salt, and sugars can lead to atherosclerosis, increased blood cholesterol levels, and obesity. A diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as plant oils and oily fish is recommended for preventing cardiovascular health problems.
Alcohol consumption. Overindulging in alcohol can cause high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and heart muscle damage. It is advisable to exclude alcohol from the diet or at least practice moderate and occasional consumption. Keep in mind that no alcohol is better than others concerning heart health prevention - all alcohol significantly raises heart rate and blood pressure.
Smoking tobacco. The compounds found in tobacco smoke harm the endothelium of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis. The nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, speeding up the heartbeat and elevating blood pressure.
Lack of physical activity. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, reduces cholesterol levels, and helps maintain a healthy body weight. Inactivity is one of the primary risk factors for numerous cardiovascular diseases. Those unable to engage in regular workouts can incorporate walking into their daily routines.
Combining a healthy lifestyle with regular health check-ups and discussions with a medical professional can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack and many other health complications. It's worth starting with small steps!
