The team here at Hope & Grace Cardiac Centre is extremely concerned about reducing your risk of developing a heart attack. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked because of plaque build up and subsequent obstruction, usually by a blood clot. This blockage deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients, causing the muscle cells to be damaged or die.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, as a major cause of death worldwide. What is also very important to note is that 90 % of heart attacks are preventable.
However, there are some risk factors that we can’t control which include our age and family history.
So, how can we reduce our risk of developing a heart attack?
Diabetes is one of the main risk factors for heart attacks.
Do you know that diabetes doubles your risk of developing a heart attack?
Another major contributor to increasing our risk for heart attacks is consuming unhealthy meals.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and refined sugars.
Control portion sizes and maintain a healthy weight.
Other risk factors include hypertension, smoking, physical inactivity, stress, excessive alcohol use and being overweight or obese.
Here are some practical tips to limit the impact of these risk factors:
- With regards to obtaining regular exercise: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly and also incorporate strength training exercises at least twice a week.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. This generally means up to one drink (4 ozs) per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
- Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or hobbies you enjoy.
- Obtain adequate sleep & rest. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Have regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other heart disease risk factors.
- Take prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider to manage risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Symptoms
Heart attack symptoms can vary, and they can be different for men and women. Common symptoms for both genders include chest pain or discomfort: this is the most common symptom. It’s often described as a feeling of pressure, fullness, or pain in the chest that can last more than a few minutes or come and go. Chest pain or discomfort can also radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
Some patients also experience shortness of breath, excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting.
However, there are some differences in symptoms between men and women.
Men are more likely to experience classic chest pain or discomfort.
Women may have subtler or atypical symptoms, which can include: pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder or upper back. Women may also feel unusually tired, sometimes for days leading up to a heart attack.
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. If you suspect a heart attack, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Don’t ignore the signs and call your local emergency number!
Once you get to the emergency room you will be evaluated and if a heart attack is diagnosed there are several treatment options which include:
- Medications: Thrombolytics and antiplatelet drugs to dissolve or prevent blood clots. Statin therapy is also prescribed.
- Angioplasty and Stent: A procedure to open blocked arteries and place a stent to keep them open.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: For severe blockages.
- Lifestyle Changes: A heart-healthy diet, exercise, and stress management are crucial for recovery and prevention of another heart attack.
By incorporating these lifestyle changes and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing a heart attack and maintain a heart-healthy life. The team at Hope & Grace Cardiac Centre is here to help you live a healthier fulfilling life.