Risk factors for a Heart Attack

When there are several thousand cars on the roads, only a few face accidents. Cars with faulty brakes, misaligned gears, or tires have a higher risk of an accident. Additionally, extensive clinical and statistical studies have identified several factors that increase the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack.

The main risk factors are those that research has shown to significantly increase the risk of heart and vascular (cardiovascular) disease. Other minor factors are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but their importance and prevalence are not yet precisely determined. They are called contributing risk factors. 

First aid treatment for heart attack is to take a dose of aspirin. This medicine loosens the platelets and makes them less sticky. By doing so, blood clotting can be minimized and artery blockage can be avoided. Another important thing to remember is to take sufficient rest. Also, the higher the level of each risk factor, the higher the risk. For example, someone with total cholesterol of 300 mg/dl is more at risk than someone with total cholesterol of 245 mg/dl, although anyone with total cholesterol above 240 mg/dl is considered at risk. high risk.

Modifiable risk factors

To smoke

• A smoker's risk of developing coronary heart disease is 24 times higher than that of non-smokers.
• Smoking is an important independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary artery disease; smokers are about twice as likely as non-smokers.
• Smoking also works with other risk factors to significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease, even for non-smokers.
• People who stop smoking at age 60 gain 3 extra years of life; at 50 – 6 years; at 40 – 9 years old: and at 30 – 10 years old.
• Smoking also totally cancels the action of Aspirin (the drug that protects the cardiovascular system) and cancels 75% of the action of Statins (drugs that improve the level of good cholesterol).

High blood cholesterol

• As blood cholesterol increases, the risk of coronary heart disease also increases.
• When other risk factors such as high blood pressure and tobacco smoke are present, this risk is further increased.
• A person's cholesterol level is also affected by age, gender, heredity, and diet.
• Hypertension

High blood pressure

•  increases the workload of the heart, causing the heart to thicken and harden.
• It also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure.
• When high blood pressure is combined with obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes, the risk of having a heart attack or stroke increases many times over.

Physical inactivity

• An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
• Regular moderate to vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and vascular disease. The more vigorous the activity, the greater the benefits.
• Even moderate-intensity activities are helpful if done regularly.
• Exercise can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity, as well as lower blood pressure in some people.

Obesity

People who have excess body fat, especially if most of it is around the waist, are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke, even if they have no other risk factors.

• Excess weight increases the work of the heart.
• It also increases blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and lowers HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
• Being overweight can also make diabetes more likely to develop.
• Many overweight and obese people may have difficulty losing weight. But by losing just 10 pounds, you can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Diabetic sugar

• Diabetes greatly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, even when glucose (blood sugar) levels are under control. The risks are even greater if blood sugar levels are not well controlled. About three-quarters of people with diabetes die from some form of heart or blood vessel disease.
• If you have diabetes, it is extremely important to work with your health care provider to control your diabetes and any other potential risk factors.

Stress

• The individual response to stress may be a contributing factor.
• Some scientists have noted a relationship between the risk of coronary heart disease and stress in a person's life; health and socioeconomic status.
• These factors may also influence established risk factors. For example, stressed people may overeat, start smoking, or smoke more than usual.

Alcohol

• Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure, cause heart failure, and lead to stroke.
• It can contribute to high triglyceride levels, cancer, and other diseases, and lead to irregular heartbeats.
• It also contributes to obesity, alcoholism, suicide, and accidents.