Heart attack is a serious problem that is increasing day by day. Know about all the questions related to a heart attack. Like what is a heart attack, how it happens, and what are its causes and treatments.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction in medical language, occurs when not enough blood reaches a part of the heart muscle. The longer the heart muscle goes without treatment to restore blood flow, the more damage it does. Coronary artery disease is a common cause of heart attack. Spasms or sudden narrowing of a coronary artery that prevents blood supply to the heart muscle is also a cause of heart attack.
What are the reasons for heart attacks?
An unhealthy lifestyle is the main reason for heart attack, but many other reasons are also included in it. Coronary heart disease is the main cause of heart attacks. This happens because of a build-up of plaque in the arteries that supply enough blood to the heart. When the coronary arteries are unable to supply blood flow to the heart muscle and become narrowed by the accumulation of fat, cholesterol and other substances. This slow process is known as atherosclerosis. When a plaque breaks off in an artery of the heart, blood clots form around it. These blood clots can block blood flow through the artery to the heart muscle.
Other causes of heart attack
torn blood vessels
blood vessel spasm
drug abuse
lack of oxygen in the blood
types of heart attack
Type I: A heart attack occurs when a plaque on the inner wall of an artery ruptures and cholesterol and other substances enter the bloodstream. This can then form a blood clot and block the artery.
Type II: In a heart attack, the heart does not get as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs, but the artery is not completely blocked.
symptoms of heart attack
chest pain - a feeling of pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest
pain in other parts of the body – it may feel like the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and also radiating to the stomach could
vertigo or dizziness
to sweat
difficulty breathing
nausea or vomiting
extreme feelings of anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
cough or wheezing
Chest pain is often severe, but at times it can be a mild ache similar to indigestion.
The most common symptom in both men and women is chest pain, with women more likely to have other symptoms such as shortness of breath, feeling or being sick, and back or jaw pain.
Heart attack risk (risk factor)
saturated fats, trans fats, high cholesterol, and too much salt (sodium)
not getting enough physical activity
heavy drinking
tobacco use
to smoke
Exposure to secondhand smoke may increase heart disease risk even for non-smokers
heart attack prevention
Eat a healthy, balanced diet – try to include nutrient-rich foods in your diet. Include lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, nuts and seeds. Try to limit fatty, fried foods and foods that contain simple sugars such as soda, baked goods and white bread.
Exercise regularly- Try to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week for heart health.
Quit smoking - Because smoking is a major cause of heart disease, quitting can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Limit alcohol intake- According to Healthline, a person should limit alcohol intake. While one drink a day is sufficient for women, men should not consume more than two drinks a day.
