HEART ATTACK : Warning Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention

What is A Heart Attack ?

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) is a Cardiovascular disease, occurs  when heart muscle gets damaged due to reduced or loss of blood supply in heart by obstruction in one or more of heart (coronary) arteries.

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What causes a Heart Attack?

A heart needs oxygen to contract or pump effectively to supply blood in different vital organs of the body . Our heart gets oxygen through blood from its own artery i.e. coronary artery.

One of the most common cause of heart attack is Coronary artery Disease(CAD).

Coronary Artery Disease is narrowing or complete blockage in coronary artery mostly due to plaque deposits .The fatty, cholesterol containing deposits are called as plaque.The process of formation of plaque is known as Atherosclerosis.Gradually over a period of time,the atherosclerosis of coronary artery causes narrowing or complete obstruction of coronary artery leading to loss of blood supply which causes heart cells deprived of oxygen causing heart muscle to die. This causes heart attack.  Heart Attack also occurs when a plaque rupture , a blood clot forms that obstruct blood flow to the heart.

You might be having a Heart attack, If you have following warning signs and symptoms:

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• Pain or Discomfort in Chest: Most heart attack involve discomfort or pain in center of chest or most commonly in left side of the chest lasting more than 20 minutes . Pain is typically described by patient as crushing, squeezing or heaviness in chest . It usually occurs at rest or during minimal exertion and it will be so severe that patient will have fear of imminent death.
• Discomfort in other areas of upper body: symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw and in the epigastrium.
• Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
• other signs : these may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, flushing of skin or lightheadedness.                                                                                                     some heart attacks are sudden and intense , their first symptoms can be sudden cardiac arrest. 

It is important to remember that not everybody experiences all of these symptoms and some people may have mild pain or discomfort while some may have no symptoms at all.

When to see a Doctor? 

If you notice you or someone else might be having the symptoms of heart attack, it is important to seek medical attention . Don't wait for the symptoms to go away by themselves. Early diagnosis and prompt  treatment of heart attack is very important to avoid serious complications.

What causes increase in Risk for heart attack?

• High blood pressure, High blood sugar (Diabetes), High cholesterol: People having uncontrolled blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are at increased risk for heart attack due to promotion of plaque formation in arteries.
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• Smoking and Alcohol consumption: Smoking promotes deposition of plaque in arteries whereas alcohol causes increases in blood pressure. Both are Major risk factors for heart attack. Also, substance abuse like cocaine abuse also have high risk of having heart attack.

  

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• Obesity,physical inactivity and most commonly central obesity are associated with increased Blood pressure,Diabetes and cholesterol which ultimately raises risk for cardiovascular disease.

  Unhealthy Diet: people following unhealthy diet i.e consuming high salt diet, high sugar diet, high fat diet and processed food leads to increased weight ,blood pressure and cholesterol which leads to increased risk for heart disease.

  How can I reduce my risk for a Heart attack?

  There are many ways to improve your heart health, even if you already have heart disease. 

  Aim to lower your risk.
• 
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• If you have a habit of smoking and drinking alcohol, quit smoking and drinking alcohol.



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• Eat healthy food which is rich in fibre, green vegetables and fruits and low in added sugar,added salt, saturated fat and trans fat.
• Do exercise regularly atleast 150 minutes per week and Maintain healthy bodyweight.
• Take medicine as advised by physician.
• If you have high blood glucose, control your blood sugar level.
• Try to have stress free life and sleep atleast 8 hours a day.

By Dr. Kajal Bishwakarma