Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack and 1 in 5 people have a heart attack and don’t even realize they’ve had it because their symptoms are mild, but can often still damage the heart , according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart attacks are all too common, but the World Health Organization states that “80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and not using tobacco products are the keys to prevention. Checking and managing risk factors for heart disease and strokes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar or diabetes is also very important.” Eat this, not that! Health spoke with Eric StahlMD Non-invasive cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital who explains why so many people have heart attacks and how to help prevent one. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Dr. Stahl says, “A heart attack occurs when blood flow in a coronary artery is interrupted, preventing oxygen from reaching the heart muscle. The most common cause of heart attacks is due to atherosclerosis, or fatty plaque buildup.” in the coronary arteries As plaque builds up, the arteries narrow and harden When plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms inside the artery and blocks blood flow About 805,000 people have strokes heart attacks in the US each year.
“When people have a heart attack, they usually feel pain, discomfort, or pressure in the left side of the chest,” says Dr. Stahl. “However, everyone is different and symptoms can vary. Other associated symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, pain in the jaw or left arm.”
Dr. Stahl explains: “Each year, approximately 805,000 people have a heart attack in the US. Heart attacks and coronary artery disease are common due to the high prevalence of risk factors. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet all contribute to atherosclerosis and the development of coronary artery disease and heart attack.”
According to Dr. Stahl, “The prevention of coronary artery disease and heart attacks is based on the reduction of modifiable risk factors. Age, gender and genetics are risk factors that cannot be changed. On the other hand, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet can all be improved, treated, or controlled.Addressing these risk factors should start early in life. “.
“Smoking remains the most preventable cause of death in the US,” Dr. Stahl reminds us. “Cigarette smoke is made up of numerous chemical compounds that promote accelerated atherosclerosis and the formation of blood clots. Even smoking fewer than 5 cigarettes per day leads to early atherosclerosis. The risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Quitting smoking has an immediate impact on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Dr. Stahl tells us: “As high cholesterol develops, fatty deposits build up in the arteries of the heart leading to heart attacks. Genetics, diet, physical activity and obesity are some of the main risk factors for high cholesterol. As plaque builds up, the arteries narrow and can cause symptoms even if the arteries are not completely blocked.”
“Diabetes increases the risk of coronary artery disease two to four times,” shares Dr. Stahl. “It does this by causing elevated cholesterol, obesity and a general inflammatory state, which promote accelerated atherosclerosis and fatty plaque buildup. Approximately 68% of people with diabetes over the age of 65 die of some type of heart disease.”
Dr. Stahl says: “High blood pressure increases the pressure on the heart. Over time, uncontrolled hypertension causes the heart muscle to thicken and promote atherosclerosis within the coronary arteries. Although the thicker muscle requires more blood to deliver, progressively narrower arteries deliver less and less. This process eventually leads to symptoms and a possible heart attack.”
heather newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing on health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently works as a freelancer for various publications. Read more about Heather
