A lot of factors, including its unpredictability, intense symptoms, life-threatening possibilities, and lack of control, make heart attacks a frightening event. Dr Jay Shah, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, says, "The heart serves as the lifeline of our entire body, tirelessly pumping oxygen-rich blood to every cell, tissue, and organ and therefore, maintaining a healthy heart is essential for overall well-being and longevity." Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth Team, he throws light on the cause of a heart attack and the factors that put people at risk.
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Why Heart Attack Occurs
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. It accounted for an estimated 1.79 crore people who died from CVDs in 2019, of which, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.
Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, occur when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked, usually due to a blood clot. Now this blockage could be caused by the formation of a blood clot within one of the coronary arteries. The most common cause of a heart attack is atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances build up on the inner walls of the coronary arteries, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques can become larger, and the arteries may become narrowed and hardened, a condition known as coronary artery disease (CAD).
Risk Factors To Note
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. Some of the main risk factors include:
Age: As people get older, the risk of heart attack increases. Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 are at higher risk, as per Mayo Clinic.
Gender: Men have a higher risk of heart attacks than premenopausal women. After menopause, the risk in women approaches that of men. A study published in Journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that men were about twice as likely as women to have a heart attack, throughout their life.
Family history: A family history of heart disease, especially if a close relative experienced a heart attack before the age of 55 (for male relatives) or 65 (for female relatives), increases the risk.
High blood pressure: Hypertension puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack. It occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high.
High cholesterol levels: Elevated levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) “bad” cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for heart attacks. Smoking damages blood vessels and decreases oxygen in the blood, making clots more likely to form.
Obesity and inactivity: Being overweight or obese and leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to various risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack.
Unhealthy diet: A diet high in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars can lead to heart disease and raise the risk of a heart attack.
Stress: Chronic stress is also linked to the development of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), stress may lead to high blood pressure, which can pose a risk for heart attack and stroke.
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Symptoms Of A Heart Attack
Here are the symptoms of a heart attack:
- Chest pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest
- Pain or discomfort in other areas, such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion-like symptoms
- Cold sweat
- Fatigue or weakness
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Anxiety
Conclusion
Heart attack cases have increased in recent years, even in younger people. To reduce one’s risk, Dr Shah recommends making lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, managing stress, and controlling chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. “Embracing these mindful choices empowers us to cultivate resilience and longevity, ensuring the optimal functioning of our hearts,” he concluded.
