Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery
Heart health is a topic of utmost importance, and understanding the signs, risks, and recovery associated with heart attacks is crucial for everyone.
In this blog, we’ll understand the complexity of heart attack symptoms, the factors that contribute to the risk of experiencing one, and the journey of recovery afterwards.
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to the heart is significantly reduced or blocked. This blockage typically results due to an accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances within the coronary arteries.
The dominant cause of heart attacks is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). In some cases, a less frequent cause can be a severe spasm which can also be a cause that can significantly reduce or stop the flow of blood to the heart muscle.
What are the Heart Attack Symptoms?
While there are common heart attack symptoms in men and women, there can be some variations. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and some individuals might not exhibit any symptoms at all.
Common heart attack symptoms in both men and women
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, jaw, neck, back, or shoulder
Symptoms of a heart attack in women
- Feeling nauseous, light-headed, or unusually tired.
Call 9-9-8 if you notice symptoms of a heart attack If you observe heart attack symptoms in yourself or someone else in Dubai, Call 9-9-8 immediately. The quicker you reach an emergency room, the sooner you can receive treatment, minimizing potential damage to the heart muscle. |
What are the Risk Factors for Heart Attack?
Risk factors of a heart attack include:
Age: Men with age 45 and older and women with age 55 and older are more likely to have a heart attack.
High Blood Pressure: Over time, high blood pressure or hypertension can damage arteries, leading to the blockages and increasing the risk of heart attack.
Smoking: Tobacco smoke can harm blood vessels and heart tissue, heightening the risk of a heart attack.
High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol can result in the buildup of plaques in the arteries.
Family History: A family history of heart disease, particularly if a close relative suffered a heart attack at a young age, raises the risk.
Obesity: Excessive body weight, particularly around the abdomen, is often linked with an elevated risk of heart disease.
Diabetes: Elevated blood sugardamages blood vessels and significantly elevates the risk of heart disease.
Metabolic syndrome: The presence of factors like central obesity, high blood pressure, low good cholesterol, and high blood sugar contribute to the likelihood of developing heart disease.
Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular exercise is a significant risk factor for heart attack. Regular exercise improves heart health.
Unhealthy Diet: Consuming a diet rich in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains adds to the risk of developing heart disease.
Stress: Chronic stress may elevate the risk of heart attack.
An autoimmune condition: Having a condition like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can elevate the risk of a heart attack.
Understanding and addressing these risk factors through lifestyle changes and medical management can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. Regular check-ups and discussions with cardiologists are essential for assessing and managing individual risk profiles.
What to Do to Recover After a Heart Attack?
After experiencing a heart attack, your heart may be damaged, and its ability to pump blood throughout the body is affected. You may also be at risk for another heart attack.
To lower your chances of having future health problems, consider implementing the following measures:
- Physical Activity:
Talk with your healthcare team regarding your daily activities. Your doctor may want you to limit work, travel, and sexual activity during the recovery.
- Healthy Lifestyle:
- Adopt a balanced diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Engage in regular, moderate-intensity exercise as advised by your doctor.
- If you smoke, quit.
- Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your routine.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation:
Participate in a program of cardiac rehabilitation, which typically includes supervised
- Physical activity.
- Education on heart-healthy living, including diet, medications, and ways to quit smoking.
- Counselling to relieve stress and improve mental health.
Trust Dr Tamkeen Kinah for Your Heart Health
For personalised guidance and expert heart care in the realm of heart health in Dubai, consider reaching out to Dr Tamkeen Kinah.
As a distinguished Consultant Cardiologist in Dubai, Dr Tamkeen brings a wealth of expertise in Clinical and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine. His compassionate approach, rooted in evidence-based care, underscores a commitment to preventive strategies. He emphasises patient education and works seamlessly with fellow healthcare experts to ensure holistic well-being.
Contact Dr Tamkeen Kinah for proactive heart health care in Dubai.