-: HEART ATTACK :-
A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, happens when the heart’s blood supply is suddenly interrupted, leading to muscle damage. This is often due to coronary heart disease (CHD), where fatty plaques clog coronary arteries. If a plaque ruptures, it can form a clot, thus blocking our blood flow.
Symptoms
- Chest pain (angina) – Pain in the chest due to reduced blood flow to heart.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing – Difficulty breathing, often indicating underlying health issues.
- Insomnia – Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night.
- Nausea or stomach discomfort.
- Heart palpitations – Rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat.
- Anxiety or a feeling of impending doom.
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or passing out.
Causes
- Thrombosis – Blockage in one of the blood vessels.
- Diabetes – Chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation and metabolism.
- High cholesterol level.
- Smoking.
- Having high levels of lipoprotein (a).
- Not doing regular exercises.
- If anyone having a family history of CHD (Chronic heart disease).
- Obesity – Excessive body fat accumulation, posing heart health risks and major other complications.
- A heart attack can also be caused by high blood pressure.
- Anomalous coronary arteries, a congenital heart condition, involve abnormal artery positioning, potentially leading to heart attack due to compression.
- An obstruction originating elsewhere, such as a blood clot or air bubble (embolism), can block a coronary artery.
Test
- Blood test includes Lipid Profile test (Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL).
- Blood Pressure levels.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram).
- Echocardiogram.
- CT Coronary Angiogram.
- Heart MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
- Exercise stress test.
Prevention
- Get regular health screening tests such as blood sugar, Lipid profile, ECG etc.
- Manage your stress level.
- Try to maintain a healthy weight.
- Try to make an effort to stop using all tobacco products.
- Try to do exercise regularly.
- Try to eat nutritious foods.
- Try to manage your pre-existing health conditions which involves controlling high cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Try to avoid sugar and ultra processed food and Salt or high-sodium meals.
- Try to keep away from alcohol too.
- Ensure adequate sleep, insufficient rest increases risks of Obesity, Hypertension, heart disease, Diabetes, and Depression.
- Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Limit intake of saturated fats (found in red meat, full-fat dairy, palm oil, and coconut oil) and trans fats (found in fried fast food, chips, and baked goods) to reduce cardiovascular risks.
Solution
- Anti-clotting and anti-arrhythmia medications are best taken after consulting with your doctor for guidance.
- Coronary artery bypass grafting which is popularly known as bypass surgery is often done in case of a couple of blockages. It improves heart blood flow by bypassing blocked arteries, reducing heart-related risks through surgical intervention.
- Angioplasty – It is a procedure to widen narrowed or blocked arteries, often using a balloon and stent insertion.
Best Foods to Prevent Heart Attack
Veg Sources
- Fruits and vegetables
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Packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Beta-carotene, Allicin which is good for heart health.
- Avocados
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Avocados are a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
- Sweet Potatoes
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Have lower glycemic index, fiber, vitamin A, and lycopene which is good for heart health balance mechanism.
- Oranges
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Packed with cholesterol-fighting fiber pectin and potassium, aiding blood pressure control.
- Cherries
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Rich in antioxidants called anthocyanin can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Fresh Herbs
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Super food for a healthy heart.
- Whole Grain
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Contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Barley
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High fiber content helps lower cholesterol and may regulate blood sugar levels.
- Tofu
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Provides vegetarian soy protein, heart-healthy minerals, fiber, and polyunsaturated fats.
- Oatmeal
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A good source of fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control.
- Black Beans
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Tender and mild, packed with heart-healthy nutrients like folate, antioxidants, and magnesium to lower blood pressure.
- Dark chocolate
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Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
- Olive Oil
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Rich in heart-healthy antioxidants, this oil made from smashed olives may protect blood vessels.
- Nuts and seeds
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Excellent source of Magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids, Phytochemicals and so on.
- Walnuts
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Rich in omega-3s, monounsaturated fats, plant sterols, and fiber for heart health.
- Almonds
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Contain plant sterols, fiber, and heart-healthy fats for cardiovascular wellness.
Non-Veg Sources
- Lean meats
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Great source of protein and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Salmon
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A heart-healthy choice rich in omega-3s, may reduce heart rhythm disorders and lower blood pressure.
Best Nutrients to Prevent Heart Attack
Protein, Fat, Vitamin, Mineral
- Protein
- Fat
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Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin
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Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin B6
Folic acid
Vitamin C
- Mineral
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Iron
Zinc
Magnesium
Exercise to Prevent Heart Attack
- Brisk walking.
- Running.
- Swimming.
- Cycling.
- Playing tennis.
- Jumping rope.
- Resistance Training (Strength Work).
- Any types of cardio exercise.
While a heart attack can be a frightening experience, it serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize our cardiovascular health.
Hence, remember:- “You can’t buy another heart. Cherish and care for yours always.”