A Myocardial Infarction – the scientific term for a heart attack. It means the muscle within the heart is damaged or not receiving enough oxygen. A lot of cardiac related problems occur of clots or blockages in the arteries that carry blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.
It is often difficult to distinguish the difference between a heart attack and more common cases of heartburn. To be sure, the following are symptoms of an attack: Chest tightness, pain, discomfort, sweating, nausea, vomiting, intense pressure, a radiating and intense pain in the chest extending to the left arm, a shortness of breath for longer than a couple of minutes.
If you find yourself experiencing any of the above you must consult your doctor immediately or get yourself to a hospital. While you wait for medical assistance is advised that you place a Sorbitrate under your tongue or chew on an Aspirin (unless you are allergic).
The main causes of a heart attack are no secret – smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, family history, atherosclerosis, lack of exercise and obesity, all are known to be high risk. With this information it becomes clear the simple lifestyle changes we can make to reduce our risk of heart attacks.
- Eat healthily. Avoid fatty food, excess salt and red meat.
- Stop Smoking.
- Keep high blood pressure and diabetes under control.
- Commit to regular exercise; around 30 minutes a day (see The Miraculous Benefits of Walking).
- Maintain a healthy weight; prevent obesity.
- Practice meditation, regular relaxation and breathing exercises. Keep calm!
- Undergo cardiac evaluations periodically to be on the safe side.
- Incorporate anti-oxidant rich food into your daily diet.
Heart disease kills. Approximately 58.8 million people in the United States suffer from it, according to the American Heart Association, and about 950,000 Americans die of heart related ailments every year. It is crucial that you maintain a healthy heart in as many ways as possible to prevent the onset of problems. Include fitness building activities in your daily routine wherever possible; take up outdoor activities instead, play sports instead of watching them, make sure you live as long and fulfilled a life as possible.
It’s been said before, but it is all too important not to repeat; prevention is better than cure. Make good health and well being a priority in your life.