Your heart requires a constant flow of blood. Under normal circumstances, blood flows through the arteries to the muscle. If that flow is impeded in any way, the muscle can be damaged because it cannot receive a sufficient supply of oxygen. If the interruption of the blood flow is prolonged, the muscle will start to die.
Often referred to as a myocardial infarction (or MI), a heart attack begins when a coronary artery is blocked. At first, you'll notice a pressure building in your chest; it's accompanied by pain which quickly spreads outward through your shoulders, arms, and jaw. You might begin sweating profusely and even feel sick to your stomach.
Below, we'll explore a few of the known risk factors that can eventually cause a myocardial infarction. Fortunately, most of these contributing influences are within your control to manage.
Common Coronary Risk Factors
It should not surprise you that habitual smoking can significantly increase your chances of experiencing an myocardial infarction. Even secondhand smoke can eventually cause your arteries to clog with cholesterol and other elements. When that happens, the blood which travels through those arteries becomes restricted.
High blood pressure is another common influence. If your arteries develop blockages, the pressure within them can build. Given enough time, plaque will develop in the arterial walls, hampering the flow. Even though many people are genetically predisposed to developing this condition, it can be avoided by reducing your intake of salt and improving your overall diet.
Diet And Activity
Those who live a sedentary lifestyle are at greater risk of experiencing a heart attack than those who enjoy some form of daily physical activity. Not only does exercise benefit your cardiovascular system, but it helps prevent obesity and reduces your blood pressure.
A related risk factor is diabetes. In most cases, the disease develops as a person ages and becomes overweight. Patients with diabetes are at far greater risk of suffering a myocardial infarction. By eating the proper foods, avoiding salt, and maintaining an active lifestyle, you can prevent its onset.
Genetic Predisposition
If members of your family - including your grandparents - have suffered heart attacks in the past, the condition may be genetic. This is especially likely in cases where obesity, prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke, and diabetes are uncommon. That said, high blood pressure, a leading risk factor, can also be genetic.
While you can't change your genes or gender (men are more susceptible to heart attacks than women), you can control many other influences. Watch your diet, get daily exercise, and avoid cigarette smoke. Most important, consult your doctor through regular check-ups.
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