Posted 11 June, 2024
Heart attack: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
These days, a deadly disease like heart attack has become so common that every fourth person is suffering from it. According to a report released by Max Hospital, Shalimar, Delhi, in the 21st century, 40 percent of the youth below 40 years of age are victims of heart attacks. The main reason for this is that people are not taking proper care of their health and ignoring the early symptoms of heart attack due to a busy routine. The result of which often proves fatal. Heart attack is one of the main diseases related to the heart. When there is a blockage in the veins carrying blood to a person's heart, or for any reason, the blood flow to the heart slows down. In such a situation, there is pressure on the heart. This interrupted blood flow weakens or completely destroys the heart muscle. This condition results in a heart attack.
Causes of Heart attack
There are many reasons for having a heart attack, the main reasons for which are the following-
Arterial plaque-
Plaque in the arteries is also a cause of heart attack. Plaque is solid material that accumulates inside the arteries, which leads to blockage. This blockage is caused by the build-up of fat (fluid), cholesterol, and other substances. This leads to a problem with blood circulation, which is where the risk of heart attack begins.
High levels of cholesterol-
The risk of heart attack increases even if the amount of cholesterol in the body is high. Therefore, such a person should pay special attention to the signals being received by his health and body.
High blood pressure-
High blood pressure can also cause heart attacks. For this reason, it is very important for patients with high blood pressure to keep their blood pressure under control.
Stressful life-
It is believed that too much stress sometimes gives rise to diseases like heart attacks, because stress impacts health negatively.
Genetic heart attack-
If someone in the family has had a heart attack, the possibility of heart attack in other family members also increases.
Smoking and using tobacco-
Smoking and consuming tobacco in excessive amounts make you more likely to have a heart attack.
Diabetes-
After a time, diabetes starts to damage the nerves of the heart, which leads to heart attack.
Symptoms of Heart attack
Before a heart attack, the human body provides certain indications of its occurrence. If these are taken care of, then heart attacks can be prevented in time. The symptoms of heart attack are-
Sharp pain in chest-
A sharp pain anywhere in the chest is the main symptom of a heart attack. Many times, we ignore it as a normal pain, which can prove to be harmful in the future.
Sweating profusely-
People often sweat profusely after having a heart attack. Along with this, they also feel nervous, which is one of the main symptoms of heart attack.
Difficulty in breathing-
Long breaths, difficulty in breathing, or shortness of breath can also be symptoms of a heart attack.
Vomiting-
Some people also vomit before a heart attack. Therefore, if someone has vomiting or feels like vomiting after chest pain, then he should immediately contact the doctor.
Swelling-
When the heart has to work harder to deliver blood to all the internal organs of the body, the veins swell. Its effect is visible in the form of swelling in the toes and other parts of the body. This is also a main symptom of a heart attack.
Home remedies for Heart attack
Heart blockage is the main cause of heart attack. Using these home remedies can be beneficial to remove the blockages-
Consumption of pomegranates is considered good-
Pomegranates contain phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to prevent damage to the lining of the arteries. Consume a cup of pomegranate juice daily. Pomegranates are also beneficial in getting relief from the symptoms of heart blockage.
Using garlic is beneficial-
Garlic is one of the best remedies to clear clogged arteries. It dilates the blood vessels and improves blood circulation. Boil some garlic cloves and mix them in a cup of milk. When it cools down, drink it before you sleep. People having a risk of heart attack should include garlic in their diet.
The bark of the Arjuna tree is helpful-
The bark of the Arjuna tree is very beneficial in the treatment of heart-related diseases such as blockages in the arteries, high cholesterol, blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. Its bark contains natural oxidizing agents. For this reason, the bark of Arjuna is used as a medicine to prevent heart attacks.
Use of lemon is beneficial-
Lemon is a powerful antioxidant rich in Vitamin-C. It helps in improving blood pressure and reducing inflammation of the arteries. Apart from this, lemon also helps in reducing the level of blood cholesterol and cleaning the arteries. For this, mix a little honey, black pepper powder, and the juice of one lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Keep taking it once or twice a day for a few weeks.
Red Chili provides relief-
An element called capsaicin present in red pepper protects the heart from bad cholesterol, or LDL, which is the main cause of clogged arteries. Apart from this, it also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by improving blood circulation.
Modern treatment methods for Heart attack
Doing ECG-
The status of the heartbeat is detected by the ECG so that if there is a problem, it can be fixed. Therefore, the ECG is considered the first point of treatment for a heart attack.
Bypass surgery-
Heart attacks are also treated by bypass surgery. In this surgery, the blood flow to the heart is corrected by opening the blockages in the heart's veins.
Using a pacemaker-
Heart attacks are also treated with the help of pacemakers because the pacemaker helps in regulating the heartbeat.
Heart transplant surgery-
Doctors recommend heart transplant surgery when the treatment of heart attack is not possible in any other way. Through this surgery, new life is given to the patient.
Taking medicines-
Sometimes heart attacks are also treated with medicine. Doctors give medicines to control high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol levels, etc. These medicines help in reducing the chances of heart attack to a great extent.
To avoid Heart attack, keep these precautions in mind-
- Reduce the consumption of oil and desi ghee in food. Apart from this, do not consume Dalda Ghee at all because excessive consumption of it accumulates in the form of a layer over the arteries and has a bad effect on the flow of blood.
- Consuming sweets increases the level of cholesterol in the body. This can lead to the formation of clots in the arteries of the blood, which later proves fatal for the body.
- Stay away from anxiety, stress, depression, etc.
- Make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep every day.
- Do not smoke, use tobacco, alcohol, etc. as they have a direct effect on the arteries of the heart.
When to go to the doctor?
Immediately consult a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned below, as these can be a sign of an early heart attack.
- Pain in the middle of the chest that keeps on increasing with time.
- Chest tightness.
- Restlessness or excessive sweating.
- Chest pain followed by vomiting or diarrhea.