According to the American Heart Association, a person has a heart attack every 34 seconds in the United States. A heart attack is caused when the flow of blood to the coronary artery is blocked by a blood clot. In some cases, a heart attack can be deadly. But the good news is that a heart attack can be prevented. You can increase your chances of not having a heart attack by knowing and treating (if possible) the risks for a heart attack. Here are 7 signs that you may be at risk for having a heart attack.
Smoking
Studies show that people who smoke at least one pack of cigarettes a day are twice as much likely to have a heart attack than a non-smoker. This is because smoking causes damage to the walls of your heart arteries and can also increase the risk of developing blood clots. To reduce this risk, you should quit smoking as soon as possible.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be caused by several factors such as heredity, obesity, and a high salt diet. If it is left untreated, it can cause damage to the arteries in your heart and overwork your heart muscles. However, you can treat high blood pressure with exercise, a change in diet and/or prescription medication.
Overweight
Being overweight can cause your heart to work harder than normal. By having this addition strain on your heart for a long period of time, you are at a high risk for having a heart attack. You can lose weight by eating healthier meals and/or starting an exercise program.
Lack of Exercise
Exercise is a great way to keep your body in shape and to prevent the development of health issues such as obesity and high blood pressure, which can cause a heart attack. By exercising, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk for a heart attack. Walking is a great way to start your exercise program.
High Cholesterol
You can increase your risk for a heart attack by having a high level of bad cholesterol, which can cause your heart arteries that supply the blood to the heart to become narrow. To reduce your risk, you can treat high cholesterol by changing your diet and/or medication.
Diabetes
Diabetes is caused by the human body not being able to produce enough insulin to control the blood sugar levels. By having diabetes, your risk for a heart attack increases greatly if it is not being treated. You should may sure you are following your treatment given by your physician.
Family History
Your risk of having a heart attack increases if someone in your immediate family such as your parents or grandparents has had a heart attack as well. Since this risk is heredity, you cannot change it but you can take steps to reduce your risk by treating other risks such as high blood pressure you may have.
About the Author: Tanya is a writer and blogger with a passion for health and wellness. She also writes medical career guides for those considering working as surgical techs, medical billing specialists, ultrasound techs, and more.
Great info as usual. I had three of these pesky attacks 18 years ago and I had two of these warning signs. Over weight and high blood pressure so people shouldn’t think ,
“Oh I’m fine I only have a few of these” Get to see a doctor. Most men die from their first heart attack and their in their 40s
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Dont worry Jim you will live 100 :). Also you learned how to cope with all this. Younger should be more careful and usually 40-50’s are in the risk group.