Learn How To Prevent A Heart Attack
Author: Carmen Gardner
The most common cause of a heart attack is coronary heart disease. This disease develops as a result of damage to the lining of your arteries that lead to the heart. Fatty tissue and plaque build up on the lining of these arteries resulting in obstruction. The blood flow to the heart muscle becomes obstructed resulting in a heart attack. The damage to the lining of the arteries occurs because of risk factors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyle choices or even heredity. There are some risk factors that can be controlled with diet and medication while other risk factors are not controllable.
Controllable Risk Factors
Risk factors that can be controlled include smoking, unhealthy diet choices and living a sedentary lifestyle. Ask your doctor about starting an exercise program and eating healthier meals. Medication can control issues such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. Healthy diet and lifestyle choices should be a priority for everyone. If you need help to quit smoking, ask your doctor about the latest smoking cessation treatments. Many companies offer employees smoking cessation help through their insurance program. Check to see if your company's insurance policy includes wellness programs. Wellness programs are gaining in popularity as more people recognize the need for a healthy lifestyle to avoid diseases.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Risk factors that cannot be controlled include ageing, hereditary, race and gender. The ageing process alone can place you higher at risk. Heart disease is commonly found to be linked to hereditary factors. A family history of heart disease can increase your risk. Race and gender have also been linked to a greater chance for heart disease. If you have these risk factors, it is important to see your doctor at least once a year. Your doctor may recommend medication, surgery or other treatments if you are at high risk. Ask your doctor about the latest medical treatments for preventing heart disease.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Warning signs of a heart attack includes chest pain, discomfort in other areas of the upper body and a shortness of breath. There can also be other signs that include dizziness, nausea or cold sweats. If you are not sure if you are experiencing a heart attack, you should still call for help. Time is an important factor if you are experiencing a heart attack. The fastest way to get help if you live in the city is to call 911. Emergency responders can start CPR within a matter of minutes. Don't risk driving yourself to the hospital. Emergency services can transport you to the hospital much faster than family or friends.
Weight Management
The best way to control your weight is to eat wholesome, nutritious foods. Ask your doctor for advice regarding your dietary needs. Learn everything you can about nutrition and strive to make changes if you are not eating healthy. Weight management, exercise and healthy eating can reduce your risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Learn about the proper way to exercise to avoid injury.