10 common reasons to suffer from a heart attack

When the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, you suffer from a heart attack. The blockage is usually a build-up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that gradually form a plaque in your arteries which is responsible for feeding the heart.

There are times when a plaque also ruptures and forms a clot, blocking the flow of blood. The interrupted blood flow further damages a part of your heart muscle.

Several people around the globe suffer from heart attacks every year. You must know that heart attacks are also known as myocardial infractions which means the death of tissues because of lack of blood supply.

Such kind of tissue death also leads to long-lasting damage to your heart muscle.

10 common reasons to suffer from a heart attack

Your heart muscle requires an even supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary arteries further offer your heart this blood supply. When suffering from coronary artery disease, those arteries become narrow and there is an improper blood flow.

When the blood supply is blocked, you start suffering from a heart attack. Some of the common causes of a heart attack include:

Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is the main cause of heart attacks.

It is a condition in which the coronary arteries get blocked with deposits of cholesterol.

Drug misuse

Using stimulants like cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines causes coronary arteries to narrow. As a result, blood supply is restricted and you experience a heart attack.

Lack of oxygen in the blood

When levels of oxygen in the blood decrease because of carbon monoxide poisoning, the heart starts receiving unoxygenated blood. As a result, heart muscles get damaged and a heart attack is triggered.

High blood pressure

With time, high blood pressure can damage arteries that lead to your heart. High blood pressure that occurs with other conditions like diabetes, obesity, or cholesterol often increases your risk of a heart attack.

Spasm of the artery

Your blood vessels have a muscle lining that permits them to become wider as required. These muscles when twitch or spasm cut off the blood flow to your heart muscle.

As a result, you experience a heart attack because of improper blood flow.

Electrolyte imbalances

When your blood has too much or too little of key minerals such as potassium then it can cause a heart attack.

Diabetes

Not producing enough of a hormone secreted by the pancreas or not responding to insulin properly can increase blood sugar levels. This further increases your risk of suffering from a heart attack.

Stress

Your body might respond to stress in a way that increases the risk of suffering from a heart attack.

Eating disorders

With time, an eating disorder can damage your heart and finally result in a heart attack.

An Autoimmune condition

When you suffer from a condition like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, the chances of suffering from a heart attack are increased.

Apart from these causes, smoking, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle are some other major causes of a heart attack.

Common symptoms of heart attack

Some of the main symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath or trouble in breathing
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Feeling lightheaded, passing out, or dizziness
• Anxiety or feeling of an impending doom
• Sweating

How to prevent a heart attack?

It is never too late to take steps to prevent a heart attack. Here are some easy ways to prevent a heart attack:

Medicines

Taking medicine under the supervision of your doctor can decrease the risk of heart attack and improve your heart function.

It is important to follow your doctor’s direction and take the heart medicines as recommended.

Lifestyle factors

To prevent heart attack, you need to make little lifestyle changes.

It is vital to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking, and manage stress.

You also need to manage high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol to prevent heart attacks.

Eat a healthy diet

Fill your plate with different kinds of vegetables and fruits. Also include whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice.

Therefore, if you experience any symptoms of a heart attack then contact the doctor immediately.

Final Lines

Overview

Knowing the causes of heart attacks is essential for taking action to improve cardiovascular health. You must recognize the factors that can lead to the risk of heart attacks or stroke. Factors that one must address are coronary heart disease, drug misuse, high blood pressure problems, and stress.
Seek effective treatments, like medications and lifestyle modifications, and follow proper health guidance. Manage underlying conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and adopting a nutritious diet are vital in reducing the risk of heart attacks. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack and treating them as soon as possible is essential. Seek medical attention for chest pain, palpitations, and other warning signs that can save your life. Living a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors may help reduce the risk of heart attacks and improve cardiovascular health.