A heart attack marks a before and after in a person’s life. After recovering, it is normal to feel worried and even afraid of not knowing. However, the fact of having had a second chance should serve as motivation to change habits, as experts remind us.
In fact, leading a healthy lifestyle can prevent heart attacks. Not smoking or using other drugs makes a difference. Cocaine use is a common cause of heart attack, especially among the younger population. A sedentary lifestyle is also one of the most notable risk factors. It is related to greater obesity, high blood pressure and worse control of diabetes and cholesterol, which are among the main triggers. Another variable is stress or anguish, the consequences of which can be suffered in the long term.
In women, older people and diabetics, more non-specific symptoms may predominate, such as general malaise, shortness of breath or even loss of consciousness.
There are other parameters that cannot be controlled, such as age—the risk increases significantly in men over 45 years of age and women over 55—, genetic factors, or other diseases related to heart disease. For this reason, professionals add, everyone should know the main symptoms to act quickly if necessary.
The most common thing is to experience chest pain, similar to tightness in the center of the chest, which can radiate to the neck, jaw, left arm or back. It may be accompanied by shortness of breath, strong palpitations, sweating, nausea and vomiting. Dr. Marta Farrero, cardiologist at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, explains that a part of the population may feel other types of pain: “In women, older people and diabetics, more non-specific symptoms may predominate, such as general malaise, shortness of breath. or even loss of consciousness.”
All of these sensations happen when the arteries that supply blood to the heart harden and become clogged by the buildup of cholesterol plaques. This causes so-called thrombi, which prevent blood flow from reaching the heart. Dr. Manel Sabaté, cardiologist at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, explains the difference between a heart attack and angina pectoris: “If the obstruction occurs quickly, a heart attack occurs. If it occurs more slowly, it is angina pectoris.”
In the first case, the pain is immediate; in the second, it is only felt when efforts are made. Both cases are known as “ischemic heart disease.” This cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in adults in the world. In fact, it is estimated that in Europe there are four million deaths a year for this reason, which is equivalent to 47% of all deaths.
If the obstruction occurs quickly, a heart attack occurs; If it occurs more slowly, it is angina pectoris.
At the critical moment of the heart attack, different drugs can be administered to eliminate thrombi, slow the heart, prevent pain or dilate the heart arteries. When these are insufficient, a surgical operation is usually performed. One of the most common interventions is angioplasty. In it, a cylindrical spring called a stent is placed, which keeps the affected artery open.
The other most common option is the so-called by-pass, which is carried out when more than one artery is affected and which consists of sewing another vein or artery parallel to the affected vessel. When the patient is out of danger, long-term treatment awaits him. It is “secondary prevention.” Its goal is to prevent angina or heart attack from happening again. This will be achieved with the relevant pharmacological treatment and, above all, with a change in lifestyle.
So you must have a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish. If this is the case, you should stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption, measures considered priority. As far as possible, it is of great importance to avoid distressing situations. The experience of having had a heart attack can generate anxiety and depression, so you have to dedicate time daily to self-care.
Likewise, the medication must be taken correctly, as carelessness could lead to serious complications. It is no less important to do moderate exercise; Staying fit improves heart function. With a minimum of 30 minutes, five days a week, it is enough to notice a great improvement in physical abilities. Obviously, if you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, you must stop the activity and go to a professional to find out if it can be resumed.
The key to recovery
Tips when exercising
1. Warm up before starting: walk and move your shoulders and arms.
2. Aerobic exercise: walking, cycling or swimming.
3. Stationary bicycle: for older patients or those with overweight problems.
4. Mountain excursion: without exceeding a thousand meters of altitude the first year of recovery.
5. Stop if you feel fatigue or palpitations.
6. Check the pulse: in the wrist artery or with a heart rate monitor.
7. Avoid extreme temperatures, especially cold and when there is high humidity.
8. Control breathing: on inhalation, air presses on the abdomen and fills the lungs, and on exhalation, the muscles relax.
9. Muscle stretches at the end of practice, to avoid injuries.
10. Progressive training: start with 20 minutes four days a week, and increase.
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