Heart attacks are becoming a serious health problem in India. The number of deaths from heart attacks is increasing in the country, and changing lifestyles, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and increased stress are making heart health an even more serious issue. Data shows that between 2014 and 2019, heart attack cases in India increased by nearly 50 percent.

Increasing urban living, sedentary lifestyles, fast food, and unhealthy diets, along with the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity, are all contributing factors to heart attacks. Therefore, it's important to understand the causes, risk factors, and ways to prevent heart attacks.

According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a trained physician at CMC Vellore and Apollo Hospitals, approximately 99 percent of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure are caused by pre-existing but undiagnosed risk factors. Many people feel perfectly healthy because they don't experience any symptoms. However, heart disease often begins very quietly.

Know about these 4 risks before your first heart attack.

Many people who have their first heart attack already have one or more health problems. Four of these significant risk factors are:

High blood pressure:
High blood pressure can affect the blood vessels. Over time, these vessels can become damaged and more prone to fat deposits. This can lead to blockages in the blood vessels that supply the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack.

High cholesterol:
If the body has high levels of bad cholesterol, also known as LDL, it can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels. Gradually, fat accumulates in these areas and narrows the blood vessels. This can obstruct blood flow to the heart.

Elevated blood sugar:
If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, your blood sugar levels are elevated. If your blood sugar remains uncontrolled for a long time, it can damage your blood vessels, further increasing your risk of heart attack.

Smoking
tobacco and cigarettes is very harmful to the heart and blood vessels. Smoking damages blood vessels and can significantly increase the risk of heart attack. Therefore, even those who have smoked should pay serious attention to their heart health.

Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of heart attack.
Many factors that increase the risk of heart attack are within our control. The risk of heart attack can be reduced by making appropriate changes to diet, exercise, smoking, and stress management, and by consulting a doctor as needed.

Don't ignore these symptoms of a heart attack:

Persistent or frequent chest pain

Chest pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Nausea, vomiting, or heartburn like acidity

Dizziness or fainting

PC: AAJ TAK