It is very important that the heart, which pumps blood throughout the body, works properly. For this, the heart needs an excellent blood supply. But the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood can become blocked for many reasons. When these arteries are blocked, the heart muscle cannot get the oxygen it needs. As a result, the heart tissue is damaged. The blockage in the arteries is caused by substances such as cholesterol and fat accumulating there. As these substances accumulate, structures called plaques are formed. Over time, plaques increase and the vessels begin to narrow. Clots that form in the cracks in the vessels cause the vessels to narrow further. Someone experiencing these means they are having a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

The first of the most common symptoms of a heart attack is known as chest pain. At the time of the crisis, pain occurs in the center of the chest. This pain can last for a few minutes. You also start to feel shortness of breath on top of the pain. Shortness of breath can also occur before the pain. Another symptom can be pain in the back, shoulders, jaw, or neck. This pain can also occur in the arms and stomach. In addition, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, and sudden dizziness can also occur. Especially in women, sudden attacks of fatigue can occur for no apparent reason. If your current complaints do not decrease but increase, you should immediately go to the nearest health institution.

Factors Triggering Heart Attack

Factors that trigger heart attacks are divided into two groups. The group of unchangeable risks includes factors such as genetic predisposition, advanced age, gender, diabetes, and personality traits. A person with a family history of heart disease is in the risky group. Genetic predisposition is still a subject of debate. It is especially important for people at risk not to smoke. Today, however, a blood test can be used to determine a person's risk of coronary heart disease. According to research, heart attacks are more common in men. However, women's changing hormones during menopause put them in the risk group. The risk of heart attack starts to increase in men from the age of 45. In women, the risk increases at the age of 55 and later. Heart attacks are more common in diabetics with vascular occlusion. Diabetics, who are in the risk group of many diseases, are also at risk of heart attack. According to the data, the level of stress experienced by the person is directly proportional to the risk of heart attack. When you are stressed, the excess release of adrenergic hormones in your blood increases blood pressure. High blood pressure leads to heart attacks.

As for modifiable risk factors, smoking is at the top of the list. When the oxygen supply to the heart starts to decrease in smokers, blood pressure and heart rate increase. As a result, blood clots form. Smoking is considered the main risk factor that must be eliminated. Obesity, one of the biggest problems today, also increases the risk of a heart attack. Even losing 10% of your body weight reduces the risk of a heart attack. Obesity leads to dysfunction in blood vessels and the hardening of the arteries. It is necessary to get to the root of the disease and create a treatment plan accordingly. 

In addition to factors that cannot be changed, such as genetic factors, you can reduce the risk of heart attack by making changes in your life. Healthy eating and exercise are very effective changes in reducing heart attacks. When you exercise regularly, the amount of fat in your body decreases. Doing sports that move your body such as swimming, basketball and cycling will be good for your health. If you smoke, it would be a logical step to quit smoking. At the same time, by eating a healthy diet, you prevent cholesterol and blood pressure from rising. You should remember that a healthy life is key to reducing your risk as much as possible.