subject: Heart Attack Causes and Symptoms and Natural Home Remedy Treatment for Heart Attack [print this page] Heart Attack Causes and Symptoms and Natural Home Remedy Treatment for Heart Attack
A heart attack (also called myocardial infarction) is when part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies because it isn't receiving enough oxygen. Normally, oxygen is carried to the heart by blood flowing through the arteries that feed the heart muscle (called coronary arteries). Most heart attacks are caused by a blockage in these arteries. Usually the blockage is caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits (called plaque) inside the artery, and hardening of the artery walls. The buildup is like the gunk that builds up in a drainpipe and slows the flow of water.
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Some of the main risk factors for heart attack - high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes - cause no symptoms in their early stages. But your doctor can perform tests to check that you're free of these conditions. If a problem exists, you and your doctor can manage it early to prevent complications that can lead to a heart attack. Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years. Your doctor may recommend more frequent measurement if you have high blood pressure or a history of coronary artery disease. Normal blood pressure with respect to cardiovascular risk is 115/75 mm Hg.Have your blood cholesterol levels checked regularly, through a blood test at your doctor's office. If "bad" cholesterol levels are undesirably high, your doctor can prescribe changes to your diet and medications to help lower the numbers and protect your cardiovascular health. Doctors typically prescribe drug therapy for people who've had a heart attack or who are at high risk of having one.
Don't smoke. If you smoke, the single most important thing you can do before or after having a heart attack is to stop. Continuing to smoke doubles your risk of a second heart attack or heart-related death. If you can't stop smoking by yourself, ask your doctor to prescribe a treatment plan to help you kick the habit. Exercise is now a major component of a cardiac rehabilitation program. Exercise helps prevent a heart attack by helping you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and control diabetes, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure. Maintain a healthy weight. Being only 10 percent overweight increases your risk of coronary artery disease. Losing just 5 to 10 pounds may lower your blood pressure. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Too much fat and cholesterol in your diet can narrow arteries to your heart. If you've had a heart attack, limit fat and cholesterol - and sodium. A diet high in salt can raise your blood pressure. Follow your doctor's and dietitian's advice on eating a heart-healthy diet. Prepare heart-healthy meals together as a family. Fish is part of a heart-healthy diet. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve blood cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants - nutrients that help prevent everyday wear and tear on your coronary arteries. Adequate folic acid may reduce the amount of homocysteine, an amino acid that builds and maintains tissues, in your blood. Too much homocysteine may promote atherosclerosis. Folic acid is plentiful in green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and whole grains. Consume alcohol in moderation. Drinking more than two alcoholic drinks a day raises blood pressure, so cut back on your drinking if necessary.
