Did you know that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UAE? That’s right, more people die from heart disease in the UAE than from any other cause. And one of the most common types of heart disease is a heart attack. Get ready to embark on a journey through the sands of stress, the spice of sedentary lifestyles, and the tantalizing tangles of modern-day luxury as we explore the risk factors for heart attacks.
Heart Attack! What Is It?
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, which can damage or destroy the heart muscle. Heart attacks are a major cause of death, and they can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race.
Risk Factors for Heart Attacks
There are many risk factors for heart attacks, including:
- The risk of having a heart attack increases as you get older.
- If you have a family history of heart disease, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
- High blood pressure can damage the arteries and make it more likely for a clot to form. Consult a doctor today to get your blood pressure under control.
- High cholesterol can build up in the arteries and make them narrower. Get medical help to manage your cholesterol levels.
- Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and make it more likely for a clot to form.
- Smoking damages the arteries and makes it more likely for a clot to form. If you are struggling to quit smoking, talk to a doctor for free now.
- Obesity can put extra strain on the heart and make it more likely for a heart attack to occur.
- Physical inactivity can increase your risk of developing heart disease.
- Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Manage your stress.
Tips to Prevent a Heart Attack
If you have any of the risk factors for heart attacks, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of having a heart attack. There are many things you can do to lower your risk, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
Here are some additional tips to help you prevent a heart attack:
- Get regular checkups: Your doctor can check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other risk factors for heart disease.
- Take medication as prescribed: If you have been prescribed medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risk factors for heart disease, be sure to take it as prescribed. Talk to our pharmacists to help get the help you need.
- Make lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking are all important ways to lower your risk of having a heart attack.
- Be aware of the symptoms: The symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person, but they may include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of having a heart attack and live a healthier life.