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A healthy heart leads to a happy life. However, certain ailments and health conditions may be inevitable. Did you know cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, claim approximately 17.9 million lives across the world, as per WHO1 reports?
A heart attack is a life-threatening medical condition in which the heart loses its functioning.
Heart attack occurs when the oxygen-rich blood to the heart gets blocked, and thus, the tissues die due to lack of oxygen. In such a situation, the heart also loses its function and stops pumping anymore. If no immediate medical assistance is received, the patient may be in real danger.
This article will talk about the various heart attack risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, and how to decrease heart attack risk.
What are the Symptoms/Signs of Heart Attack?
Heart attack can sometimes be a silent killer. The patient may not notice any significant symptoms at all until the incident happens. However, there are various symptoms that may begin to show for days and weeks, and it is very important to notice these symptoms. Immediate medical attention can save a life. Some heart attack symptoms may vary from person to person. The common symptoms of heart attack are:
- Pain in the arm, neck, shoulder, or lower back
- Chest discomfort
- Breathing shortness and problem
- Chest tightness
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Extreme weakness
- Sweating
- Pain in the upper jaw
- Trouble walking due to chest discomfort.
Causes of Heart Attack
There can be a number of factors responsible for causing a heart attack. Some of the commonly known heart attack causes may be:
Shortage of Oxygen-rich Blood
When the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, it becomes tough for the heart to continue to function smoothly. Hence, after a point, the heart may cease to function and may also die.
Rupture of an Artery
In case an artery to the heart ruptures due to any reason, it may lead to blood clotting or leakage of cholesterol as well. In such a situation, the artery gets blocked, leading to heart attacks.
Plaque
People suffering from high cholesterol levels may also experience heart problems. High cholesterol primarily leads to the deposit of plaque in the artery, which eventually blocks the artery. Such a situation may lead to a heart attack.
Blood Clotting
There can be various reasons for blood clotting, like plaque, rupture of the artery, tearing of blood vessels, etc. Blood clotting, in turn, can cause heart attack and other related problems.
Heart Attack Risk Factors
In order to understand how to stop a heart attack, you must first understand the heart attack risk factors. Here are some of the common habits that may lead to an increased risk of heart attack:
Use of Tobacco
People with the habit of tobacco consumption and smoking have more than twice the chance of developing the risk of heart attack. It is highly advised to quit smoking before it’s too late.
Age
With growing age, the chances of developing heart problems increase as well. People above the age of 45-55 are at higher risk of heart attack than the younger people.
Diabetes
People suffering from diabetes are at higher risk of welcoming heart problems, including heart attacks.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels may lead to the deposit of plaque in the long run. The blockage in artery due to plaque may eventually lead to a heart attack.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart attack.
Obesity
Lack of physical exercise leading to obesity can be a major cause for multiple heart problems including heart attack. Obesity may also be linked with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Hence, it is important to maintain an active life to avoid gaining excessive weight and the risk of heart attack.
Family History
If you have a family history of heart attack, you may also be at risk of the same.
Unhealthy Diet
To maintain a good health you must eat healthy. A balanced and healthy diet with rich in nutrients can help in keeping many health risks at bay including heart attack.
Stress
Extreme stress may also increase the risk of heart attack.
Drugs
People indulging in intoxicants and drugs have a higher risk of heart attack.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatic arthritis can increase the chances of heart attack.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition during pregnancy when the blood pressure shoots up. In such a situation, the mother may develop the risk of heart problems.
How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Attack?
The next obvious question would be how to decrease heart attack risk? By simply altering certain basic lifestyle habits, one can reduce the risk of heart attack. These include:
Regular Exercises
Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy body and a healthy mind. Brisk walking, jogging and light exercises are all you need to maintain a sound body. So, make sure you stay physically active.
A Healthy Diet
When you eat healthy, you stay healthy. Heart-healthy diets like green vegetables, fruits, food low on fat and cholesterol, nuts, grains, beans, etc., are a must when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart.
Say NO to Smoking
Quit smoking today and take a step towards a healthy life. Although, the addicted ones may find it difficult to pursue at the initial level, however, by adopting numerous good habits, one can stop the urge of smoking.
Keep a Check on Diabetes and Blood Pressure
If you are someone suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes, make sure to go for regular testing and medication along with exercises to keep the medical condition in control.
Stress Management
You must try to manage the stress in your life. Stress is permanent. However, happiness is a choice. Try meditation, a hobby or things that keep you calm and give happiness.
How to Treat Heart Attack?
Heart attack requires immediate medical attention. In order to diagnose properly, the patient may have to go through tests like ECG (Electrocardiogram), X-ray, blood test, echocardiogram, angiogram, and/or MRI. After diagnosis, the following heart attack treatment may be carried out:
Medications
Certain medications may be carried out to lower the blood pressure level and make the blood thin. These may include:
- Aspirin
- Thrombolytics
- Fibrinolytic
- Heparin
- Nitroglycerin
- Morphine
- Beta-blockers
- Statins
Surgeries
In case of heart blockage, surgeries may be done, like Angioplasty and stenting to open the blocked heart artery. Open heart surgery may also be done during a heart attack.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for heart attack survivors. It helps them manage stress, become physically active again, and get back to their old life.
Let’s Conclude
The fate remains unseen. However, you must do all you can to maintain a healthy body and lead a happy life. Since the heart is one essential body part, keeping it healthy is a must. Try to quit the smoking habit today and switch to healthier alternatives. Bring more green vegetables and fruits into your diet and go for regular exercises. Apart from these, having a heart health insurance plan can also be quite beneficial in times of need.
While talking about the health part, we shouldn’t completely avoid the financial stress one can endure during an emergency hospitalisation. However, if you are covered with a health insurance plan like care heart mediclaim, your expenses are well-protected.
With lifelong renewability, the plan offers a number of other benefits, such as annual health check-ups, pre and post-hospitalisation expense cover, ambulance cover etc. To know more about this plan, you can allow our experts to contact you by visiting our website. If you find this article helpful, kindly share your comments in the below space.
>> Also Read: Heart Disease: Know the Types, Causes, and Treatment
Disclaimers:
The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
