What increases your risk of having a heart attack?

Apr 29, 2018 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

A Myocardial Infarction or commonly known as a “heart attack”, occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to a part of the heart due to blockage of the coronary artery supplying that area of the heart. The blockage prevents oxygen delivery to the heart and leads to death of the heart tissue. Surviving a heart attack depends on the amount of tissue damaged and the area of the blockage.
Coronary artery disease which causes heart attack is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is responsible for 21.42% and 16.41% of deaths in the U.S and Guyana respectively. This easily makes it the number one cause of death in both countries. Knowing our risk for a heart attack is therefore very important since it can help us to modify our lives accordingly.
This week we will discuss the risk factors that increase our chances of having a heart attack.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Over time, high blood pressure can damage the coronary arteries that feed your heart by accelerating blockage and plaque buildup. By controlling our blood pressure, we will minimize artery damage and decrease our chances of having blockage in our coronary arteries.

DIABETES

Patients with diabetes have difficulty controlling their blood glucose levels and often need medication to normalize these levels. Uncontrolled blood glucose also causes damage to the coronary arteries and increases your chance of having a heart attack.

HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL OR TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS

Fats such as cholesterol and triglyceride when not utilized are usually stored in our arteries. Consistently high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels lead to increase plaque buildup in our arteries and increases our risk of having a heart attack by blocking the coronary arteries of the heart. Eating diets rich in these fats (fried food, fast food, processed food etc.) will obviously increase your risk of having a heart attack.

FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART ATTACK

There is a genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease in some populations and this accelerates the process of blockage to arteries which cause a heart attack. Persons with siblings, parents or grandparents who had a heart attack early (by age 55 for males and 65 for females) may be at increased risk. You should let your doctor know if this is the case. Early screening and treatment can prevent you from having one.

AGE

As we age, our arteries slowly accumulate plaque which can lead to blockage. Men over 45 years and women over 55 years of age, are at increased risk of having a heart attack than their younger counterparts.

TOBACCO

The chemicals in tobacco cause damage to our blood vessels. Continuous tobacco use causes coronary artery damage which leads to plaque and clots formation. Over time this increases your risk of having critical blockage of your coronary arteries which will cause a heart attack. Smoking a cigarette will therefore help your mind, but not your heart.

LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

An inactive lifestyle contributes to high blood cholesterol levels and obesity. People who get regular aerobic exercise have better cardiovascular fitness, which decreases their overall risk of heart attack. Exercise is also beneficial in lowering high blood pressure and sugar levels.

OBESITY

Obesity is associated with high blood cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure and diabetes. Losing just 10 percent of your body weight can lower this risk.

STRESS

Stress can lead to a rise in fat levels in the blood and also causes blood vessel damage. Continuous exposure to stress or poor response to stress can therefore increase your risk of a heart attack.

ILLEGAL DRUG USE

Using stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can trigger a spasm of your coronary arteries which can cause a heart attack.

A HISTORY OF AN AUTOIMMUNE CONDITION

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune conditions put you at increased risk of blood vessel blockage and therefore increase your risk of having a heart attack.
In life we all have to die. On average, our chances of dying from a heart attack are higher than most other causes. Knowing our risk and modifying our lifestyle, should prolong life and may prevent us from becoming another heart attack-related death statistic.

Latest News

What increases your risk of having a heart attack?

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

The wait is over, all roads lead to KMTC for their Grand Boxing Day...

Xhiya Hercules – flipping the script towards...

Road Warriors, Bent Street, Team Cruel &...

Deol maiden hundred outshines Matthews’ as...

Moraikobai village two days football competition...

BCB thanks cricket fraternity for strong support...

Features/Columnists

Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animals!

Breaking the Chains of Poverty: A need for political will

Christmas – reality and possibility

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

What increases your risk of having a heart attack?

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]