The major warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack are:
-Chest pain or discomfort.
-Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach.
-Shortness of breath
-Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats
Risk factors include:
-High Blood Pressure
-High Cholesterol (LDL)
-Smoking
-Overweight and obesity
-Diabetes
-Poor Diet
-Physical Inactivity
-Excessive Alcohol use
You can help prevent heart disease in several ways. The most important is seeing your doctor and following their instructions on lifestyle and taking any necessary medications.
STOP SMOKING! If you can not go cold turkey there are other options, such as prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications and chewing gums. Hypnosis is also an option check out this link on webmd: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/hypnosis-for-quitting-smoking
Alcohol intake should be limited. Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that is quickly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. A standard drink equals 0.6 ounces of pure ethanol, or 12 ounces of beer; 8 ounces of malt liquor; 5 ounces of wine; or 1.5 ounces (a "shot") of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey)-NIH. For women and adults over age 65 2-3 standard drinks a day and a maximum of seven drinks a week is considered moderate drinking anything over this is excessive and puts you at risk for heart disease as well as other diseases and conditions. For men under the age of 65 3-4 standard drinks a day and a maximum of 14 drinks per week is considered moderate and over this amount is excessive. I do not condone drinking alcohol. There are some health benefits but just like anything else moderation is key! For more information and treatment: http://www.drugabuse.gov/patients-families
Obesity, high cholesterol (LDL) and high blood pressure is directly related to poor diet and physical inactivity. There are studies that have shown a genetic predisposition especially if you have a known family history, however, diet and exercise can help decrease your chances of developing the above conditions. I hate using the D word DIET! YUCK! Who wants to be on a diet??? Not me! For now on in this blog I will not use the word diet (if I do please politely point it out). In my next blog post I will be discussing food, drink and exercise that will help decrease your risk of heart disease.
Cheers!
"To be a champion you have to believe in
yourself when no one else will."~Sugar Ray Robinson