Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with heart attacks representing a major concern. While we can't control all risk factors, adopting a proactive approach through healthy lifestyle choices and awareness of warning signs is crucial for preventing heart attacks and early intervention. In the recent past various cases of heart attack in young adults have been recorded across the globe which is alarming and persuades us to reconsider our health and make mindful choices to lead a healthy life. This article is a compilation of all the necessary information regarding heart attacks that you must know. We have also included some tips to keep the heart healthy shared by our highly qualified and experienced cardiologist in Pune.
Synopsis
Building a Strong Basis: Lifestyle Habits for Healthy Heart
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Embrace a Heart-healthy Diet
Choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Processed foods, added sugars, trans fats, and excessive salt should all be avoided. This nutritional strategy lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight—all of which are important risk factors for heart disease.
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Move your Body Regularly
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Regular physical activity strengthens your heart, improves blood flow, and helps manage weight.
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Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight puts additional strain on your heart. If weight loss is necessary, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for a safe and sustainable plan.
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Effectively Stress Mangement
Chronic stress can harm your health of your heart. Discover relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature to manage stress effectively.
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Quit Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of heart illness and other health complications. Consult with your doctor or seek any smoking cessation program for quitting smoking.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your heart health.
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Maintain a Proper Sleep Cycle
Try to aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Proper sleep plays an important role in overall health and well-being along with your heart health.
Know the Silent Killer: Recognizing Heart Problems Symptoms
While heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, some common warning signs include:
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Chest pain or Discomfort
This is the most common symptom, often described as pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest. The discomfort can also radiate to the arm, jaw, shoulder, or back.
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Ache in Additional upper Body Parts
Sometimes people experience pain or discomfort in their arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
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Breathing Difficulty
This may or may not cause discomfort in the chest.
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Nausea or Vomiting
Feeling nauseous or lightheaded can be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women.
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Sudden Cold Sweat
Unexplained breaking out in a cold sweat can be a warning sign.
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Feeling Faint or Lightheaded
This can be accompanied by dizziness or a feeling of impending doom.
Don't Hesitate to Act: What to Do During a Suspected Heart Attack
If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by reaching out to the best tertiary care hospital immediately. Time is critical when dealing with a heart attack, and seeking prompt medical help can significantly improve the outcome. You can also enrol for regular health checkups at Manipal Hospital Kharadi to keep a check on your heart and timely detect any sign of heart disease.
By prioritising a healthy lifestyle, managing risk factors, and being aware of the warning signs, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack and increase the chances of early intervention if needed. Remember, your heart is vital to your well-being, and taking proactive steps to protect it is an investment in your long-term health and happiness. We invite you to bookmark our official blog page to read the blogs on heart health written by our cardiologists.