A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the heart muscle is damaged or deprived of oxygen. This typically happens due to blockages in the arteries that transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body or the formation of blood clots.
Differentiating between a heart attack and heartburn can be challenging. Common symptoms of a heart attack include tightness, pain, or discomfort in the chest, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and intense pressure in the chest. Pain may radiate from the chest to the left arm, and there may be shortness of breath lasting more than a few minutes. If at any point in time you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Risk factors for a heart attack include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, a family history of heart disease, atherosclerosis, lack of exercise, obesity, and consumption of fast foods. To reduce your risk of a heart attack, consider the following:
1.Quit smoking.
2.Eat a healthy diet, avoiding fatty foods, excess salt, and red meats.
3.Control high blood pressure and diabetes.
4.Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 30 minutes of activity daily, with walking being particularly beneficial.
5.Try to maintain a healthy weight to prevent obesity.
6.Adopt a healthy lifestyle overall.
7.Practice meditation.
8.Engage in regular relaxation and breathing exercises.
9. Undergo periodic cardiac evaluations.
10. Include antioxidant-rich foods in your diet.
Following the principle that prevention is better than cure can lead to improved health and well-being for everyone.