There can be several factors that cause a heart attack, said cardiologist Yulia Marshintseva. These include the presence of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels, stress, high blood pressure, diabetes, and genetics.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is a condition in which part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies due to a lack of oxygen. This usually occurs as a result of a blockage in the coronary artery that supplies the heart with blood.
The main cause is atherosclerotic plaques that are present in the vessels.
— It happens that there are no plaques, but the vessel spasms. Most often, this happens against the background of stress, anxiety, more often in women, — Marshintseva noted.
The genetic factor plays a huge role here, which “bypasses” even a healthy lifestyle. Diet will not help in this case, you will have to take pills.
— It happens that a person eats greens and steamed chicken breast, but his cholesterol is high, — the cardiologist said.
An important factor that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke is hypertension. One of the causes of hypertension is excess weight. And type 2 diabetes mellitus aggravates the development of cardiovascular diseases by 50%.
Symptoms of a heart attack:
- Sharp pain or discomfort in the chest (may feel like pressure or squeezing).
- Pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sweating, nausea, or dizziness.
- Feeling of fear.
Simple rules will help reduce the risk of a heart attack:
- Healthy eating: more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
- Limit your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and sugar.
- Regular physical activity
- Weight control
- Quit smoking
- Moderate or abstain from alcohol
- Stress management
- Regular medical checkups
- Control chronic diseases (eg, diabetes).
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Important! The information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.