Fundamentals of a heart attack: Be alarmed before it harms

The modern technological scenario has blessed us in a multitude of ways including developed scientific researches and advanced medical facilities. But the other side of the coin leads you to stressful living that makes you prone to innumerable diseases including serious heart ailments.

So then why not become well-versed with the ambiance of that critical coop, well-before the cardiac arrest actually attacks you? This time, get motivated with the motto, “Prevention is better than cure”.

Map out the fundamental factors that could predispose you to heart diseases:

SMOKING

The nicotine action of tobacco inhaled into the system causes atherosclerotic changes or plaques or deposits in the coronary arteries. Hence the arteries get narrow, hindering the supply of blood to the heart. In common parlance, smoking causes blockages in the arteries.

DIABETES

In this case, the excess sugar in the blood is converted to fat, which gets deposited in the coronary arteries. Further, diabetics are advised to cut down on sugar because the fat gets deposited in the renal, brain and peripheral arteries as well, apart from the coronary arteries.

HYPERTENSION

This leads to the thickening of the internal walls of the coronary artery. In fact, hypertension increases blood pressure and leads to a thickening of all the blood vessels in general. Hence, the oxygen requirement for a hypertensive person’s heart is more than that for normal individuals. And with the narrowing of the coronary arteries, the heart muscles don’t get enough oxygen, resulting in a decrease in circulation and further thickening of the coronary arteries, thus compounding the risk of heart disease.

There is also an increase in the size of the heart as it has to work extra hard at pumping due to higher blood pressure.

OBESITY

People who are obese may have increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels along with LDL and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VDDL). Lipoprotein is the major component of fat that gets deposited in the coronary arteries, causing them to narrow down. Obese patients are, therefore, advised to take a lipid profile test to access the composition of fatty substances, i.e. triglycerides, LDLs, VDLs, etc.

STRESS

One doesn’t really know why cholesterol gets deposited in the coronary arteries due to stress, but stress, coupled with hereditary factors, can add to heart problems. And modern living and stress go hand-in-hand.

ALCOHOL

Taken in moderation, it helps coronary arteries in a way, by causing coronary artery dilatation. At the same time, it increases levels of High Density Lipoproteins (HDLs), or the ‘good cholesterol’ which helps the heart. So an intake of 60 ml. of alcohol per day could help.

However, too much alcohol increases fatty deposits, mobilizing the fat from the liver into circulation, thereby causing atherogenicity (i.e. collection of fat in the arteries). It also increases blood pressure, adding to the risk of heart disease.

TYPE ‘A’ PERSONALITY

Highly ambitious people and those who are impatient and physically overworked are also more prone to heart attacks.

A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE

Most people who work in offices, including high flying corporate executives, live sedentary lifestyles. Executives, for instance, have hectic schedules, and cars at their disposal; they seldom walk long distances. And pen-pushers too remain seated at the desk for hours on end. This causes cholesterol deposits and increases lipids in the blood. Corporate executives do talk of walking, but this is most often a leisurely stroll. Lack of physical activity, rick food and alcohol increase the chances of your cholesterol levels shooting up, resulting in heart problems.

At the end of it all, a word to the wise: as long as you’re sensible enough to safeguard yourself before the serious symptoms start showing up, you have nothing to lose.