A heart attack can strike anyone and at any time, sometimes out of the blue. While many sufferers lead less than healthy lives which contributes to their heart health, some seemingly healthy and fit individuals also fall victim to these devastating medical events.

Risk factors

Some heart conditions are congenital heart defects, meaning that individuals are born with the particular condition and that it does not arise from lifestyle choices.

Risk factors include:

Smoking

Smoking causes various kinds of damage to your body, not just your heart. If you suffer from atherosclerosis (the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in or on the artery walls), smoking exacerbates the condition, increasing the likelihood of developing heart disease. It increases the chance of blood clots developing which can cause heart attacks as well as strokes. It also increases blood pressure and speeds up the heart.

Drinking

Drinking alcohol in excess can:

• increase blood pressure
• affect cholesterol levels
• cause weight gain

All of which are risk factors and may increase your chances of having a heart attack or developing other serious conditions.

Diet and weight

Excess fat in your diet – saturated fat in particular – can increase your blood cholesterol levels which increases your risk of developing coronary heart disease.  It can also raise your blood pressure.

Inactivity

Lack of exercise can lead to fatty material building up in your arteries (atherosclerosis), affecting the flow of blood throughout the heart and the rest of the body. If the arteries get damaged or become clogged, it could lead to a heart attack.

Stress

Stress can lead to high blood pressure, posing a risk for heart attacks as well as strokes. Stress can also contribute to heart disease and compromises blood pressure levels.

Substance abuse

Some recreational drugs, or controlled substances, can cause problems for your blood pressure, which can rise to dangerous levels. Some even cause your coronary arteries to constrict, which raises your blood pressure and, in turn, reduces the blood supply to your heart.

Fact: The risk of a heart attack increases by nearly 24 times within the first hour after cocaine use.

Healthy heart tips

Adopt a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease but if you already have heart disease, maintaining a well balanced diet can help to protect your heart from further issues or damage.

Put those tekkies on and get moving

Increasing physical activity has both physical and mental benefits. If you have any health concerns, it’s best to seek the advice of your GP or work with a personal trainer who understands your condition before undertaking a new fitness routine. You should aim to be active for at least 30 minutes a day, but this can also be broken up into three 10-minute sessions or two 15-minute sessions.

Diabetic management

Diabetes is another risk factor contributing to heart attacks and disease, but if you manage your condition responsibly, you can lower your chances of having one.

Stress less

Easier said than done, of course. But learning how to deal with stress healthily and avoiding unnecessary stress will pay off in the long run. For example, exercising works hand in hand with stress management as it becomes a welcome distraction but also promotes dopamine and serotonin production, which may be linked to reducing stress.

Bottom line

Heart attacks can be immensely distressing to you and your family – especially when fatal – and living with a heart condition can be stressful. But paying close attention to your health and lifestyle and making changes where necessary can greatly improve your wellbeing. If you already have a cardiovascular condition, speak to your doctor and see where improvements and preventative measures can be made.

The lenmed Group is a world-class chain of Private Hospitals that brings quality healthcare to communities across Southern Africa.