Every year, many people experience heart attacks, a life-threatening emergency that can strike without warning, changing lives and causing distress to the patient and their families. Understanding the underlying causes and making lifestyle changes, can help lower the complications of heart attacks. In this blog, we delve into the common causes of heart attacks.
Heart Attack Causes
A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when there is a reduction or blockage in the blood flow to the heart. The most common cause of myocardial infarction is coronary heart disease, a condition where a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances blocks the arteries. Other causes of heart attacks include the breaking of small plaques, coronary artery embolism, SCAD, etc.
But what are the underlying culprits that cause blockages? Some of the underlying causes that can increase the risk of a heart attack include:
1. Unhealthy Lifestyle: Unhealthy habits such as smoking, over-consumption of processed foods high in saturated fats and leading a sedentary lifestyle escalates the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack.
2. Medical Conditions: Uncontrolled conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity contribute to damage to blood vessels, leading to accelerated atherosclerosis and a high risk of impaired heart function.
3. Emotional Factors: Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can increase blood pressure, and indulgence in unhealthy habits can negatively impact heart health and increase the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
4. Family History and Genetic Factors: Not controllable, but individuals with a family history of heart disease, especially heart attacks at a young age, may be at a higher risk of heart attacks.
To lower your risk of this life-threatening disease, it is advisable to adopt a healthy lifestyle, get your routine check-ups done, and take your medicines on time.
Recognizing the Early Signs of a Heart Attack
As opposed to sudden cardiac arrest, silent heart attacks can be difficult to detect because the symptoms are often subtle or absent. However, certain early symptoms of myocardial infarction occurring hours, days, or weeks in advance should raise concern and prompt medical attention:
- Shortness of breath: Breathlessness, even during minimal exertion or at rest, may indicate a problem with the heart’s function and should not be overlooked.
- Pain in the neck, jaw, or upper back: Unexplained discomfort or pain in the aforementioned body parts can be another sign of a heart attack and should be brought to the attention of and evaluated by a medical professional.
- Fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or cold sweats: Such symptoms, especially if there is no apparent cause, are signs of unhealthy heart function and demand medical attention.
Knowing when to visit a doctor
Seeking medical attention at the right time can be a lifesaver in cases of heart attacks. Call a heart doctor if you suspect unusual pain in your chest area. If a healthcare provider has prescribed nitroglycerin or aspirin to you, take it as instructed while waiting for emergency help.
Surgery for myocardial infarction and medications are often crucial in the treatments for heart attacks. Fortunately, recent advancements in heart attack treatment in India are helping patients recover and regain their health.
