A heart attack is known as a myocardial infarction. This occurs when the
heart muscle is damaged or does not receive enough oxygen. Many cardiac
related problems occur due to blockages in arteries that carry purified
blood away from the heart to different parts of the body. Another cause
is the formation of blood clots.
Very often, it is quite difficult to differentiate between a heart
attack and heartburn. The common signs of a heart attack are a
tightness, pain, or discomfort in the chest. Sweating, nausea, and
vomiting that are accompanied by intense pressure in the chest. A
radiating and intense pain in the chest that extends from the chest to
the left arm. A shortness of breath for more than a few minutes. If you
have any of the above you must consult the doctor or go to the
emergency rooms.
If you even think you are having a heart attack you must call for a
cardiac care ambulance, and put under your tongue a sorbitrate or chew
an aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin don’t take one. At the
hospital care will include rapid thrombolysis, cardiac catheterization,
and angioplasty. They will also administer intravenously clot busting
medications.
The risk factors for a heart attack include: smoking, diabetes, high
levels of cholesterol, hypertension, family history of heart diseases,
atherosclerosis, lack of exercise, obesity, and fast foods.
Reduce the risks of a heart attack by:
1. Quitting smoking.
2. Eating healthy. Avoid fatty foods, excess salt, and red meats.
3. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.
4. Ensuring regular exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Walking is most beneficial.
5. Preventing obesity. Doing all you can to maintain weight.
6. Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle.
7. Practicing meditation.
8. Doing regular relaxation and breathing exercises.
9. Undergoing periodic cardiac evaluations.
10. Including foods that are rich in anti-oxidants in your diet.
A killer disease, according to the American Heart Association
approximately 58.8 million people in the US suffer from heart diseases.
And, about 950,000 Americans die of heart ailments each year. Heart
diseases and death from it can be prevented by maintaining your health.
Find a balance in life between work and other activities, abandon the
couch for the outdoors, don’t watch sports on television play sports
instead and you can hope to live a long and fulfilled life.
