A heart attack happens when a blood clot suddenly and completely blocks one of the arteries around the heart. As a result, part of the heart muscle does not get an adequate blood supply and is starved of oxygen, which can cause permanent damage. Most heart attacks occur as the result of coronary heart disease. The common or classic symptoms of a heart attack are a pain in the center of the chest that can spread to the arms, neck or jaw. Some people can feel sick or sweaty, while others feel short of breath.
Women often experience less common heart attack symptoms, including a dull pain, ache, or “heavy” feeling in the chest; a mild discomfort and a general feeling of being unwell; a pain in the chest that can spread to the back or stomach; a chest pain that feels like a bad episode of indigestion; or a bout of dizziness. Women, whatever their age, are less likely to have heart attacks than men. But women are more likely than men to die from a heart attack, and those who live through one are more likely than men to have a second within four years. This might be because their heart disease is often more severe by the time they have their first heart attack.
Diet
A healthy diet can significantly reducing the risk of developing heart disease. Plenty of fruit and vegetables are recommended, as evidence suggests they help to lower the risk of heart disease. Forget your Atkins diet, as starchy foods such as whole grain bread, pasta and rice should also be included. Too much saturated fat from fatty meats, biscuits, cakes and full-fat dairy products can clog your arteries and put a strain on your heart. Eating oily fish regularly can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve the chances of survival after a heart attack. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish help the heart to beat regularly, reduce triglyceride levels (fatty substances found in the blood) and prevent blood clots from forming in the coronary arteries.
Salt
Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Watch out for foods such as chips, salted nuts, canned and packet soups and sauces, baked beans and canned vegetables, pizzas and other ready meals. Three-quarters of a person’s dietary salt intake comes from processed foods alone.
Blood Pressure
The higher your blood pressure, the shorter your life expectancy. High blood pressure develops when the walls of the larger arteries lose their natural elasticity and become rigid, and the smaller blood vessels constrict. Problems with sight, breathlessness and nose bleeds can sometimes be a sign of high blood pressure. Not doing enough physical activity, being overweight, having too much salt in your diet, drinking too much alcohol, and not eating enough fruit and vegetables can play a part in high blood pressure, as well as genes.
People with high blood pressure run a higher risk of having a stroke (which damages the brain) or a heart attack. If left untreated for a long time, high blood pressure can lead to kidney failure and even damage your sight. Those over 40 should have a full risk assessment for heart disease done at their yearly physicals, which involves measuring blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is mainly made in the body. The liver makes it from the saturated fats in food. There is very little cholesterol found in foods, except for eggs, liver, kidneys and seafood such as prawns. Cholesterol plays an essential role in how every cell works. It is also used by the body to make other vital chemicals. Too much cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of getting heart and circulatory disease. (Heart and circulatory disease includes coronary heart disease, stroke, and diseases that affect the circulation such as peripheral arterial disease.)
Doctors prescribe cholesterol-lowering medicines such as statins for people who are at greatest overall risk of suffering from coronary heart disease. You can also help lower your cholesterol level by eating a high-fiber diet which includes such foods as beans, pulses, lentils, nuts, fruits and vegetables. There is evidence that substances called “plant sterols” and “stanols” may reduce cholesterol levels. They are added to certain foods including margarines, some brands of spread, soft cheeses and yogurts.
Exercise
Not being physically active is the most common cause of heart disease. Being physically active might involve going swimming, doing an exercise class or playing a sport, but it also includes everyday things such as walking, gardening and climbing stairs. It is recommended to aim to build up to at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity five or more days a week. During moderate exercise you should be breathing more heavily than normal and feel slightly warmer.
Risk factors
Factors likely to lead to coronary heart disease include family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, obesity and diabetes. Even if you have a family history of coronary heart disease, you can take measures to reduce your own risk – it may be that your relative’s lifestyle led to their condition.
Stress
There is some evidence that stress, anxiety and depression can increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease. Also, psychological distress may increase the chances of smoking, becoming overweight or obese, drinking too much alcohol and having high blood pressure. Depression and anxiety can also cause physical symptoms which are sometimes very similar to the symptoms of heart disease – for example tiredness, chest pains, breathlessness and palpitations.
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