A heart attack, also known in medicine as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a blockage in blood flow cuts off blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. If this blood flow is not quickly restored, the affected area of the heart begins to die from lack of oxygen. Unfortunately, without proper intervention, heart attacks can be fatal. 1
Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack is essential for prompt intervention and treatment. Symptoms include chest discomfort, sudden weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you or someone around you shows signs of a heart attack, it is important to call emergency services immediately. The faster you react, the better your chances of recovery.
The effects of a heart attack do not mean the end of an active life. With prompt treatment and appropriate care, many people continue to live fulfilling lives. Although heart attacks are common, there are some precautions you can take in your life to reduce your risk of a heart attack. 23
Who is most at risk?
Heart attacks often occur when the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. A common cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease occurs when the coronary arteries (blood vessels that supply blood to the heart) become narrowed due to a buildup of waxy material called plaque. Over time, blood vessels can narrow, causing blockages that can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a heart attack. 4
There is also a type of heart attack called MINOCA, which stands for myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease. It is more common in people assigned female at birth, younger people, and certain racial and ethnic groups such as African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos. 5
Heart attacks are not caused by coronary artery disease; they can also be caused by other causes. Diseases that affect the heart. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be at risk for a heart attack. 4
Small plaques: When plaque builds up on the walls of arteries (blood vessels), blood clots can form and block blood flow.
Coronary artery spasm: In some cases, a sudden and severe narrowing of a coronary artery may occur, blocking blood flow
Coronary artery dissection: In some cases, the inner lining of a coronary artery ruptures, resulting in the formation of a blood clot (May
Keep in mind that if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, you may be at increased risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack. If a close relative such as a parent or sibling has heart disease, you may also have heart disease.
For example, if your sibling has heart disease, your risk of developing the same problem yourself may increase by about 40%. If your parents developed heart disease when you were young, your own risk of a heart attack can increase by 60 to 75 percent. 1 However, it is important to pay attention to your family's heart health history. This will give you an overview of possible heart problems in the future and give you the opportunity to try preventive measures to reduce your risk of disease.
How to Reduce Your Risk
You can take several steps to monitor and prevent your risk of a heart attack. This includes regular exams and screenings, adjusting certain lifestyle factors, and even asking your doctor about complementary medicine options.
Tests and Preventive Tests
It is important to have regular or annual check-ups with your doctor to determine your general health. During these visits, your doctor may check for the following factors related to heart attack: 6
Blood pressure: High blood pressure doesn't always have symptoms, but it can increase your risk of heart attack . Have your blood pressure checked during your regular checkups and discuss your blood pressure readings and any treatment you may need if your blood pressure is too high or too low.
Cholesterol Level: Measure your cholesterol level with a fasting lipoprotein profile test. For most people who are at normal risk for a heart attack, health care providers recommend that they have this test every four to six years. However, if you are at high risk for heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, your doctor may recommend more frequent tests.
Blood sugar (sugar): Your doctor will usually order a standard blood test known as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to check your blood sugar, or the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. Excess glucose can be a sign of diabetes, which increases your risk of heart attack. Checking your blood sugar levels annually, or monitoring your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, can help assess your risk of heart attack.
Lifestyle Changes
Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of heart attack and live a healthy, fulfilling life. These prevention strategies include:7
American Heart Association. Change your lifestyle to prevent heart attacks.
Quit smoking: If you or someone you know smokes, quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from a heart attack. Quitting a long-standing tobacco habit isn't always easy. If you're interested in quitting smoking, talk to your doctor and find other smoking cessation resources for additional support.
Balanced diet: Diet is an effective way to reduce your risk of heart attack. Choose nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing your intake of saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium. Balance is the key to keeping your heart healthy.
Watch your cholesterol levels: High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart attack. Reducing your intake of saturated fat and staying active can help maintain your cholesterol levels. If your diet and exercise habits don't lower your cholesterol, ask your doctor about medications that can help control your cholesterol levels.
Blood pressure management: High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Reducing salt intake, taking prescribed hypertension medications, and regular physical activity can help control blood pressure.
Exercise: One way to keep your heart healthy is to exercise regularly. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. It's okay to start slow. Every small activity contributes to a stronger, healthier heart.
Maintain a healthy weight: Extra belly fat can increase the number on the scale and increase your risk of heart disease. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight while reducing your risk of heart complications.
Managing diabetes: If you have diabetes, regular check-ups and a well-managed lifestyle, including a balanced diet and physical activity, are important to control blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of heart attack. is.
Make sleep a priority: Good sleep is the foundation of overall health. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to improve your sleep quality and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Reduce stress: Chronic (long-term) stress is a major contributing factor to a variety of health conditions, including heart attacks. Lower your stress levels by expressing your emotions and finding healthy ways to relieve tension. These strategies include yoga, journaling, meditation, spending time in nature, and spending time with loved ones.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause many health problems, including increased blood pressure and blood sugar levels, both of which can increase your risk of heart disease. If she consumes alcohol, limit her to one drink per day if she was assigned female at birth, or two drinks per day if she was assigned male at birth.
Complementary Methods
Some studies have shown that using plants such as ginseng and ginkgo biloba can improve heart problems and reduce the risk of heart attack. Although some early evidence suggests that this complementary medicine may be effective, there is not enough research to prove these methods are safe and effective. If you are interested in adding complementary or alternative therapies to your medically recognized prevention strategy, talk to your doctor about their recommendations. 8
When to Call Your Doctor
If you have an underlying medical condition, a family history of heart disease, or other concerns that may increase your risk of a heart attack, We encourage you to speak openly with your doctor about any questions you may have. Because your doctor takes your medical history and personal needs into account, they are best suited to provide you with personalized health advice. Remember that everyone's health and body is different. What works for someone else may not work for you.
Talking to your doctor can ensure that any steps you take to reduce your risk of heart attack are safe and tailored to your specific health condition. Additionally, if you're considering major changes such as a new diet or exercise program, or need to manage medical conditions such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, you should consult a professional to effectively and safely manage these changes. It is important to seek the advice of
Overview
A heart attack can occur when a blockage in the bloodstream prevents the heart from receiving enough oxygen-rich blood to function. Heart attacks are common, but there are things you can do to prevent them or reduce your risk.
These prevention strategies include quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, eating a balanced diet, getting enough exercise throughout the week, and reducing stress levels. If you are concerned about your heart health or at risk for a heart attack, it is best to contact your doctor to discuss questions and options to reduce your risk of heart complications (
).
