Young Age Heart Attack
Given the era of hustling, the younger generation has been burning out ever since. There have been numerous sudden deaths in people younger than 35 years, often due to a heart attack. It is necessary that you understand what a heart attack is, the major risk factors, and how to prevent it.
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack is a state of a medical emergency where the blood flow to the heart is obstructed. Since there is no oxygen supply to the heart, the heart muscles begin to die. If caught early on, the damage to the heart muscles can be minimised.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Everyone experiences different symptoms as they vary a lot in expression. Severity, intensity, and presentation differ from person to person. Some people experience the signs for days while others get all the symptoms within a few hours.
Common symptoms include:
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Pressure around the chest with tightness or a squeezing sensation
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Chest pain
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Pain radiating to your neck, jaw, back, or arms
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Breathing difficulty
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Nausea
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Indigestion
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Heartburn
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Abdominal pain
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Fatigue
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Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
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Cold sweat
If you are looking for a Cardiothoracic vascular surgery hospital in Bangalore for treatment of a heart attack then book an appointment with Manipal Hospital.
Common Risk Factors for Heart Attacks
You are at a higher risk of developing a heart attack if you have any of the following conditions:
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High blood pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension can damage your arteries over time. These arteries could be the ones that lead to your heart thereby obstructing blood flow.
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Diabetes
When your body is not able to regulate the sugar levels in the blood, you get diabetes. This increases your risk of developing a heart attack.
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High cholesterol
When you have high cholesterol levels in your blood, the cholesterol gets deposited in your arteries making them narrow. This increases your risk of a heart attack.
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Obesity
Obesity is linked with high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and overall ill health. You can reduce your risk by losing just 5-10% of your body weight.
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Metabolic syndrome
When you have obesity, high blood sugars, and high blood pressure, you have a condition called metabolic syndrome. You are more likely to develop a heart attack.
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Lack of physical activity
Being inactive makes you gain weight and contributes to developing metabolic syndrome. Exercise regularly to boost your heart health and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
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Stress
Stress and your response to stress can increase your risk of developing a heart attack.
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Tobacco
Smoking actively or passively can increase your risk of a heart attack.
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Drug abuse
Using stimulant drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, or marijuana can cause a spasm in your arteries resulting in a heart attack.
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Family history of heart attacks
If your family members like your grandparents, parents, or siblings have had a heart attack at a young age, your risk of suffering a heart attack increases.
How to Prevent a Heart Attack?
Most risk factors are in your control and by managing them, you can prevent a heart attack. All you need to do is focus on leading a healthy life to have a healthy heart. Lifestyle changes to prevent a heart attack include:
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Heart-healthy diet
Eating a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can keep your heart healthy. Avoid eating processed foods and excess sugar.
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Exercise daily
A moderate-intensity workout daily for 30 minutes will help maintain your health.
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Ideal body weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of a heart attack. Try to maintain your ideal body weight by exercising regularly and eating a balanced meal.
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Stay active
Moving about through the day can help you stay healthy. Avoid long hours of sitting and try to stay active.
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Manage stress
If you are someone who gets stressed easily, then you need to learn to manage your stress. Start journaling, listening to music, and get into some form of yoga, meditation, or relaxation therapy to keep yourself stress-free.
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Limit alcohol
Restrict your alcohol consumption to stay healthy.
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Avoid smoking
Stop smoking and chewing tobacco to keep your heart healthy.
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Regular checks
Go to your physician for a follow up regularly to check your heart health.
Takeaway
Managing your risk factors along with following a healthy lifestyle will help you maintain your heart health. If you have any of the symptoms or risk factors, consult the vascular surgeon in Bangalore right away.
Consultant - Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery, Heart And Lung Transplant Surgery
Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore
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