Heart Attack – Factors Affecting and Preventive Measures

Introduction:

Till early adulthood, heart’s function remains stable, with a resting heart rate of 60-80 bpm and physical performance​ and cardiovascular endurance are usually at their peak. However, during middle age, decreased maximum heart rate, and reduced exercise capacity and increased blood pressure are possible. The heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Heart adjusts the flow of blood based on the body’s needs, such as during exercise or rest. Heart maintains blood pressure through coordinated contractions and relaxations. During normal functioning, heart pumps blood throughout the body. Coronary arteries deliver the required oxygen for heart muscle function. In contrast, during heart attack (HA), also known as myocardial infarction (MI), a clot blocks coronary arteries. Clots happen because of plaque formation (made up of cholesterol, fat, and calcium) on the walls of arteries over many years. As a result, a clogged coronary artery reduces or completely stops the supply of oxygen and nutrients, and heart muscle begins to die leading to HA. Right amount of both high-density cholesterol (HDL) and low-density cholesterol (LDL) are good for health. While excess of LDL cholesterol leads to formation of plaque in the arteries and then heart attack, HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol to the liver for metabolism and excretion from the body and lower your risk for health problems. Symptoms of HA include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, cold sweating, and sudden dizziness. In fact, the proportion of young people having a HA has been increasing by 2 percent each year for the last 10 years.

Progression of Heart attack (HA):

1. Plaque Buildup (Atherosclerosis): Over time, cholesterol, fat, and other substances accumulate on the arterial walls, forming plaques. Plaques can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow.

2. Plaque Rupture: Plaques can become unstable and rupture. When a plaque ruptures, its contents exposed to the bloodstream, leading to the formation of a blood clot.

3. Blood Clot Formation: The blood clot can partially or completely block the flow of blood through the coronary artery. As a result, part of the heart muscle begins to suffer from lack of oxygen.

4. Ischemia and Infarction: The lack of oxygen (ischemia) causes the heart muscle to become damaged, and the affected part of the heart muscle can die (infarction)

Factors that cause Heart attacks:

• Genetic or hereditary or inherited predispositions also known as genetic susceptibility.

• Smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.

• High cholesterol and hypertension can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

• Obesity and diabetes due to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles.

• Chronic stress due to high job demands, job insecurity, longer working hours.

• Substance abuse such as cocaine and methamphetaminesand others.

• Inflammatory conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

• Congenital heart conditions of individuals born with heart abnormalities.

• Intake of highly processed foods containing salt, sugar, fat, preservatives, and dyes.

• Fried foods high in saturated and trans fats that increase blood cholesterol levels. 

Measures to prevent the risks of HA:

• Reduction of saturated fats consumption.

• Elimination of trans fats from foods.

• Increase fiber intake through vegetables and fruits.

• Eating more omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

• Consume plant-based products containing sterols and stanols.

• Eating foods high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

• Increase antioxidant intake by eating fruits, vegetables, nuts,seeds, and whole grains.

• Limit processed and high-sugary foods.

Medical and Supplemental Interventions

• Cholesterol-lowering medications help manage cholesterol levels. Aspirin, pain relievers, nitroglycerin, ACE inhibitors, thrombolytics, and others.

• Combination of statin and ezetimibe (interferes with cholesterol absorption from the intestines) reduces cardiovascular risk compared with a statin alone.

• Supplements containing antioxidants such as vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, and polyphenols from herbal extract help reduce oxidative stress.

Conclusion: 

The incidence of HA is low in younger adults, more in middle-aged and high in older adults. Managing risk factors like cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, stress, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent HA. Maintaining healthy LDL, HDL, and triglycerides through, balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking are essential for preventing recurrence and promoting overall heart health. Regular medical check-ups to monitor heart health is crucial, especially for those with a family history of heart disease. Preventative measures, early detection, and effective management of risk factors are crucial across all age groups to reduce the incidence and mortality associated with heart attacks. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any health-related concerns.