What is a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart gets blocked. This might happen because of a build-up in artery walls that reduces blood flow. Interrupted blood flow associated with a blockage can damage or destroy part of your heart muscle. This is dangerous and life-threatening in some cases.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Symptoms of a heart attack range in severity from mild to severe. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Chest pressure or tightness
- Chest pain or aching
- Pain in your arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Indigestion
If you suspect your or a loved one is having a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately or call 911.
What are the risk factors for a heart attack?
Knowing the risk factors for a heart attack can aid in heart attack prevention. Common risk factors include:
- Being over age 45
- Using tobacco products
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides
- High blood pressure
- Being overweight or obese
- Metabolic syndrome
- High blood sugar
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart attacks
- Physical inactivity
- Illicit drug use
- Autoimmune disorders
- Chronic stress
Complications associated with heart damage include abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, and even death in some cases. That’s why heart attack prevention is so important.
What are common heart attack prevention strategies?
Common heart attack prevention measures include:
Stress tests
Stress tests allow Dr. Al Kaddoumi to detect heart function irregularities before serious problems occur. He places electrodes on your skin while a monitor records your heart’s activity during physical activity.
Dietary changes
Eating healthy foods is one of the best ways to lower your risk of having a heart attack. Limit your sodium, added sugar, and animal fat intake, as well as your consumption of highly processed foods. Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, oils, avocados, and other plant-based foods.
Regular exercise
Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week or as directed by your doctor. Focus on aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, swimming, biking, rowing, or using an elliptical machine.
Weight loss
If you’re overweight or obese, weight loss significantly reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Chronic disease management
If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, properly manage your condition to reduce the risk of a heart attack. In addition to adopting healthy lifestyle habits, take medications to manage a chronic disease if your doctor recommends it.
Don’t take the chance of having a heart attack when heart attack prevention measures are within reach. Call Sam Houston Heart and Vascular, or schedule an appointment online today.
