Surviving the nasty heart attack
Heart attacks have become common these days with no age bar. It causes
emotional and financial distress for patients and their caregivers. Young in
their 20s are susceptible to heart attacks due to various reasons mainly
related to lifestyle disorders. The recent news of a 12-year-old boy passing
away due to a heart attack is the rarest of rare cases, and while pondering
over this crisis, one needs to be careful about one’s health and follow
specific health tips to prevent heart attacks. Heart attack is a non-communicable
disease that has spread its fangs, with several cases rising post covid.
According to the Indian Heart Association,
in India, as per public health estimates, we account for nearly 60
percent of the world’s heart disease burden despite having less than 20 percent
of the world’s population.
Symptoms
Though there are warning signs most of the time, sometimes there are
feeble signs that many ignore or are unaware of. There are misconceptions about
women less likely to have a heart attack than men. Chest pain, discomfort in
the arm, neck, and jaw, and shortness of breath are the possible symptoms of a
heart attack. Cold, sweating, and fatigue are the other common symptoms. A
patient suffering from chronic kidney disease, high cholesterol, metabolic
syndrome, chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or
psoriasis, and HIV/AIDS infection are prone to heart attacks. A severe heart
attack can lead to death, also known as sudden cardiac death. In India, it is
estimated that about 5-6 lakh people die due to sudden cardiac death (SCD)
every year, with a good proportion of them being under 50.
How to avoid having a heart attack?
A lifestyle change is touted to be a significant benefit in preventing a
heart attack. Obesity, high cholesterol levels, savoring junk foods, and
excessive exercise in gyms can all contribute to a heart attack. Air pollution
is another factor; however, with Indian cities getting polluted daily, staying
in a pollution-free environment is not feasible as city-based jobs force one to
stay in a polluted environment. A timely diet, proper exercise, and brisk
walking can prevent heart attacks to some extent. Smoking is an invitation to
heart attacks. Regular body checkups and visiting a medical professional in the
event of a heart attack will prevent such attacks.
According to a study conducted by Tulane University, walking up five
flights of stairs can minimize the risk of heart disease by at least 20
percent.
Conclusion
In the event of a heart attack, the sufferer and the family members go
into panic mode. A faster way to take the patient to the nearby medical
partitioner will help prevent an untoward incident, and a life can be saved.
Going in for a healthy lifestyle and keeping lifestyle disorders at bay will
help prevent heart attacks.
