A heart attack occurs when the heart muscles dies as a result of the sudden blocking of a coronary artery. This blockage is usually the result of a blood clot. Heart attacks are a dangerous and potentially lethal situations; about 1.5 million Americans experience a heart attack each year, and 500,000 of those will die as a result.
How is a Heart Attack Caused?
Heart attacks occur for a number of reasons. Atherosclerosis is one main factor that contributes to a heart attack. Atherosclerosis occurs when fat deposits within the arteries cause them to narrow, reducing the amount of blood that reaches the heart. These fat deposits then begin to form clots that can break away and travel throughout the blood stream. When a blood clot becomes lodged in a coronary artery, the blood flow to the heart is cut off and a heart attack ensues.
How Can I Prevent a Heart Attack?
There are some factors that contribute to the likelihood of a heart attack that cannot be controlled, such as race, genetics, and gender. However, the most important and effective means of preventing a heart attack are recognizing risk factors and then modifying your lifestyle accordingly. The following lifestyle habits have a large impact on a person’s development of heart disease and an eventual heart attack:
Diet. A diet that is high in fat and cholesterol can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, two large factors in the development of heart disease. Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, protein, and whole grains can reduce the likelihood of developing the conditions that can lead to heart failure. Avoiding a diet that consists of a great deal of red meat and foods high in trans fat will also reduce a person’s risk of a heart attack.
Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and obesity, a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease. Excess weight causes the heart to constantly work harder than normal to pump blood throughout the body. Regular exercise can not only help maintain a healthy weight, but also curb the onslaught of high blood pressure and other factors that lead to heart disease.
Smoking. The link between smoking and heart disease is indisputable – a smoker’s chance of deeloping heart disease is up to four times greater than that of a nonsmoker. Chemicals in nicotine also reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood, thereby reducing oxygen needed by the heart and increasing the chances of a heart attack occuring.
Alcohol consumption. A high level of alcohol consumption has been linked to heart disease and high blood pressure, which in turn can result in a heart attack. Aim for no more than two drinks a day as an absolute maximum.
Stress. Stress factors, such as job issues, family problems, and money woes are common stressors people face on a daily basis. However, too much stress has been linked to heart disease. It can lead to a higher blood pressure, chest pains, and heart attack. In addition, many people turn to unhealthy measures that can lead to heart disease in order to deal with stress. This can include eating for comfort, which leads to weight gain, smoking, or too much drinking, all lifestyle factors that can lead to heart disease and an eventual heart attack.
Given the amount of people who experience and die from heart attacks each year, the thought of a heart attack is a scary thing, but taking the proper steps now to keep your heart healthy can help prevent a heart attack in the future.