- jainhospital66@gmail.com
- +91 98557-44429
Are you also hearing about heart attacks a lot these days? Because we surely are.
Heart attacks have become one of the most common issues in India today. The moment you start scrolling your social media accounts, you witness people dying from sudden heart attacks and that too youngsters in the majority. This is sad yet shocking.
Today, youth are curious to know why youngsters are getting attacked by heart issues more than ever and yes we do have an answer for you. Keep reading to know hows and whys of heart attacks and how to prevent them.
Do you know what a heart attack really is? Well, a heart attack is a condition that is life-threatening as well as very sudden. Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when a blockage in your coronary arteries restricts oxygen-rich blood from reaching the muscles in your heart. This process of blockage can cause serious damage to the heart tissue. Now, most of you might wonder, how to understand if you are or about to get a heart attack.
Some of the symptoms of heart attack that you should not avoid are-
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Discomfort in arms, jaw or neck
Nausea
If you find yourself experiencing any of these or many of these symptoms at the same time, do not wait to seek expert help at Jain Multispeciality Hospital. Connect with your medical advisor and take instant medication.
Let’s first understand why heart attacks are becoming a hot topic today.
Why Is Heart Attack Rate on the Surge?
Studies show that heart disease is one of the most common reasons for death around the world. Modern lifestyles that include a poor diet, increased stress, frequent smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and most of all, lack of physical activity have led to increased cases of heart disease. While older adults are stuck with their age-old living means, the young generation has adopted a sedentary lifestyle that is directly leading them to multiple body issues. From mental health issues to emotional and physical, everything gets affected by modern lifestyles. So, if you are wondering how to prevent heart attacks at a young age, here is your answer.
To combat the increasing heart issues, all you need to do is follow preventive measures for heart attack by cutting off your modern living means for as long as possible and customizing your routine. Adopting some lifestyle changes like increased physical activity, quitting smoking and alcohol and even eating healthy can help you manage your heart health.
In the majority of cases, a heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is restricted, mostly due to plaque buildup in the arteries. And in some cases, genetics play a huge role.
Now, the question is, can it be completely prevented and what to do to prevent heart attack? Read along to know.
One of the most asked questions about heart attacks is, if and how can we prevent heart attacks?
Of course yes. While only in some cases, it is possible to keep your heart health from getting worse. Some lifestyle tips can help you strengthen your heart and prevent heart attacks.
Heart attacks can be life-threatening. However, you can take a sigh of relief, because following some lifestyle can help you manage your heart health in the best way possible.
Here are some lifestyle changes that can help you regulate your heart health.
Hearing about the death toll by heart attack in young and older adults is nerve-chilling. It might take a few days for anyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports your heart health, and gives years of benefits. Honestly, following the preventive measures for heart attacks, is not so hard to do.
Have a look at some key habits to incorporate into your daily routine:
Did you know that exercise or any physical activity can strengthen your heart and improve the blood circulation that helps manage your heart health? The American Heart Association suggests around 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout or physical activity per week. Moderate-intensity physical activity can include brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Since people who are 50 + in age might find it hard to engage in swimming, they can focus more on walking and jogging. It is advised that people above 50 years of age should consult with their medical advisors for the exercise to prevent heart attack.
You can also learn 3 Exercises That Boost Heart Health in our blog.
What you eat directly impacts your heart health. There are some foods to prevent a heart attack that the majority of people follow sincerely. Even doctors today are strictly advising to change the diet for better heart health.
Some of the best foods to prevent heart attack are:
Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and fiber.
Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats.
Lean proteins such as fish, skinless poultry, legumes, and nuts.
Healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish (like salmon).
Cutting down on processed foods, added sugars, and excessive salt to maintain healthy blood pressure.
Talk to a medical professional and you’ll hear obesity is one of the most common reasons for increased heart attacks. Obesity is the excess weight that invites multiple health issues. Excess body weight and especially around the abdomen increases the risk of heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight helps in regulating blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Keeping a check on your Body Mass Index (BMI) can help you to understand if you are within a healthy range. BMI can help you keep in check and match your range to best avoid any heart issues.
Frequent smoking can damage your blood vessels that lead to reduced oxygen levels and increased risk of blood clots. One of the best things you could do is to quit smoking. Smoking is and has always been a threat to human health. So, completely quitting is the only way around to keep your heart in check. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can increase your blood pressure and add to your weight gain. So, even if you wish to drink, do it in moderation and less frequently so it doesn’t pose a threat to your health.
Did you ever hear of cortisol levels? Well, cortisol is the stress hormone in your body that if increased can lead to multiple health issues including your heart. High cortisol levels are usually caused by chronic stress and can in turn lead to high blood pressure along with increased blood sugar levels and inflammation. All of these factors contribute to heart disease. When continued for a long time, these factors can seriously damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks.
Also, too much stress can invite unhealthy coping habits like smoking, alcohol or overeating. These habits can affect your heart health. Managing stress through meditation, deep breathing, yoga or even spending some quality time with your loved ones can help you manage your heart health.
Yes, active and current medical issues are linked to heart health and so are underlying medical conditions. Some of the most common health issues that add to your poor heart health are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. To keep your heart from getting seriously affected by these health issues, follow these tips-
Regularly check your blood pressure and take prescribed medications if needed.
Maintain healthy cholesterol levels through diet and, if necessary, medications.
Keep blood sugar levels in check with a balanced diet, exercise, and proper medical care.
Many people don’t know yet, that sleep is one of the big role players in your heart health. Poor sleep can lead to heart disease as per some studies. Aiming for 7-9 hours of deep-quality sleep can help you keep your heart health in check. You can improve your sleep routine by reducing screen time before and after bed. You can also try avoiding heavy meals just before bed to get better sleep at night. An added routine of deep breathing and meditation before bed can also improve your sleep quality.
If you think only following a healthy diet is your way to better heart health, you are wrong. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily also plays an important role in keeping heart problems at bay. Avoiding sugary drinks, excessive caffeine and carbonated drinks can also help you maintain good heart health. While experts at Jain Multispeciality Hospital suggest proper treatment if you are at risk of heart disease, staying hydrated is equally important.
Preventing a heart attack starts with conscious, daily choices. Small, consistent changes can significantly lower your risk and improve your quality of life. Take charge of your heart health today, and enjoy a longer, healthier future!
