Home > Educational Genetic Panel
Posted on:

Which Symptoms And Signs Of Cardiovascular Disease Need Urgent Attention?

Which Symptoms And Signs Of Cardiovascular Disease Need Urgent Attention?

Introduction

One out of every four deaths in India is due to cardiovascular disease, as per a study by Lancet. Globally, studies reveal that more than half of patients who have heart disease receive delayed treatment. This is one of the reasons for the high fatality rates, despite clear Signs Of Cardiovascular Disease. Here is how you can avoid that by going in for early detection followed by remedial measures. This will considerably reduce your future or lifetime risk of heart disease.

What are the common cardiovascular disease symptoms?

Various symptoms and signs of cardiovascular disease may be experienced and this may depend on a host of factors. However, there are certain indications that are regarded as common, and include the following:

  • Pain in the chest – Medically known as angina, this is experienced as pain that feels more like pressure, or a squeezing sensation. Some people are known to experience this as some kind of tightness, or a burning sensation.  
  •  Difficulty breathing – Shortness of breath may be subtle for some or hard for some patients. However, this is felt noticeably when you partake in some activity.
  •  Numb feelings in the legs – The blood vessels in the legs may narrow with the condition, causing an overall weak feeling or numbness. 
  •  Dizzy feelings – This is due to either slow or fast heart rhythm, indicating arrhythmias.
  •  Overall tiredness – Abnormal and unusual tiredness is also a possible symptom. 
  •  Other symptoms include swelling in the legs, coughing, possible wheezing, vomiting sensation, and breaking into a cold sweat.

What do the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease indicate?

The symptoms and signs of cardiovascular disease could indicate one of the following conditions. It is necessary to be aware of the symptoms to take necessary remedial measures.

  • Arrhythmia – This refers to some problem in the electrical conduction system of the heart. This condition causes changes in heart beat rates.
  • Valve disease – This refers to abnormalities or abnormal functioning of the heart valves. These are responsible for regulating blood flow between chambers and blood vessels.
  • Coronary artery disease – This indicates that there is a problem with the blood vessels in the heart. 
  • Heart failure – This refers to issues with heart pumping/relaxing cycle, causing buildup of fluid and difficulty breathing.
  • Peripheral artery disease – This indicates narrowing or blockage in the blood vessels of limbs or organs in the abdomen. 
  • Aortic disease – This refers to issues with the large blood vessel that regulates flow of blood to the brain and the body. 
  •  Congenital heart disease – This means that you had structural issues or conditions at birth, impacting certain parts of the heart.
  •  Deep vein thrombosis – This refers to blockage in the veins, that moves the blood back to the heart

Are the symptoms of cardiovascular disease in women different from that of men?

Most of the symptoms and signs of cardiovascular disease are common to both men and women. However, there are some gender-specific changes in the way certain symptoms are experienced. This will help women to identify symptoms that may be commonly misunderstood as that of something else.

  • Women do not experience severe chest pain, unlike men. The pain is more like some kind of pressure or tightness. This could actually be an indication of a heart attack, and it is necessary to be on the look-out for other symptoms that can rule out or confirm the condition. 
  • Women typically experience symptoms other than chest pain, such as uneasiness in the neck, shoulder, upper back or abdomen. 
  • Difficulty breathing, and pain in either of the arms or both the arms.
  • Possible feelings of nausea. 
  • Profuse sweating.
  • Abnormal tiredness.
  • Heartburn, experienced in a manner that is similar to indigestion. 
  • Women are more likely to get a heart attack when resting

What tests to undergo after observing cardiovascular disease signs and symptoms? ​

As mentioned above, cardiovascular disease is due to a combination of multiple factors. As part of efforts to start understanding cardiovascular disease, it is important to note the symptoms of these conditions.

  •   Chest pain or some form of discomfort, known as angina
  •   Difficulty breathing
  •   Pain or weakness in the limbs
  •   Pain that radiates to the neck, the upper abdomen or your back
  •   A fluttering sensation in the chest
  •   Abnormal rapid heartbeats
  •   Overall tiredness
  •   A lightheaded feeling or dizzy feeling
  •   Unexplained swelling in the legs

What is the role of genetic testing?

Genetic testing involves analyzing blood or saliva samples to look for genetic mutations and inherited conditions that cause cardiovascular diseases. Advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamilnadu, offer individuals the chance to check for lifetime or future risk of heart disease.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

Related Blogs :
Posted on:

How You Should Start Recognizing Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack?

How You Should Start Recognizing Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack?

Introduction

A recent study by Lancet has revealed that heart diseases are now turning into a leading cause of fatalities in India. Important findings include heart attacks at an earlier age, and more fatalities. Various risk factors were evaluated, and threw up interesting findings on lipid metabolism, and genetic predisposition. The study recommended a multi-dimensional approach to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Lets look at the importance of recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack.

What are the early warning signs of a heart attack?

There are certain signs that can be considered as an indication or forewarning of a heart attack. However, it is very important to note that these signs are also common to other conditions or circumstances. This means that when you experience such signs, it does not automatically mean that you are having a heart attack. It should be viewed in the context of other symptoms and needs to be assessed medically.

It is best to be aware of symptoms and signs in such a manner to help you in recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack. This will help you from raising a false alarm or panicking that you are having a heart attack, even when the symptoms could mean something else. For instance, vomiting is a sign of heart attack in women; however, this does not mean that anyone who vomits is having a heart attack. There are other signs and conditions that need to be understood before assuming that a heart attack has occurred.

Here are some of the early warning signs that you need to be aware.

  • Discomfort in the chest – You may experience some kind of pressure, or a squeezing sensation. A feeling of fullness or pain bang in the middle of the chest may also be an early sign. These symptoms are typically known to last for a few minutes, and in some cases may be intermittent. 
  • Upper torso discomfort – Another sign is some kind of pain or unexplained discomfort in either of the arms or both arms. This may sometimes extend or radiate to the back, the neck, your jaw, or your stomach.
  • Difficulty breathing – One particular sign is shortness of breath that may be experienced either with chest discomfort or without any discomfort. Note the fact that this refers to situations even when there is no physical activity.
  • Common symptoms – Some of the other common symptoms include a possible cold sweat, or feelings of nausea. You may sometimes feel lightheaded without any particular reason.

Apart from the above commonly experience symptoms, women are sometimes likely to experience certain symptoms that are not commonly experienced.

  • Overall tiredness, without any reason.
  • Feelings of anxiety.
  • Sudden indigestion or heartburn.
  • Dizzy feelings.

Common heart attack sign and symptoms

The above section was more about early warning signs that could indicate that you are in high risk of a heart attack in the near or not too distant future. However, there are some signs and indications of a heart attack, when it occurs. It is important to know all about recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack. Some of the symptoms may be common or overlap, and the intensity could be the major difference between the two.

  • Pain in chest or unease – You may experience some kind of pressure, or squeezing sensation. This is similar to early warning signs, and includes a feeling of fullness. The pain may be experienced in the middle of the chest and could last for a few minutes. This may sometimes feel like it has resolved naturally and will return shortly. This alternating pain and pain-free phase could be a good indicator of an impending or heart attack in progress.
  • Upper body unease – As mentioned in the previous section, you may experience unease in the upper part of your body. 
  • Difficulty breathing – A sign of heart attack is shortness of breath. This could be separate from discomfort or could be experienced along with discomfort. 
  • Sweating – There is a difference between a cold sweat and normal sweating. A cold sweat, as the name suggest is cold to the touch, while a normal sweat is warm and moist. You sweat normally after some kind of physical activity or if you have a fever, or if you are in some warm or hot place. A cold sweat, is the result of some kind of internal stress, fear, or pain or the result of a medical condition. This could be an infection, or it could also be a heart attack. A normal sweat usually occurs gradually, unless there is heavy physical exertion.
  • Feelings of nausea – If you have vomiting sensations or if you are experiencing nausea, it could also be an indication of a heart attack. However, heart attack is not the only reason for vomiting, therefore it is wrong to assume that the only reason for vomiting is a heart attack.
  • Other symptoms – There are other symptoms that will help you in recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack. These are a lightheaded feeling, or dizziness.

Main heart attack signs in men

As can be seen from the above sections, the symptoms of heart attack are mostly common to men and women with some differences. There are only a few symptoms and signs that are considered as exclusive or gender specific. Some of the signs of a heart attack in men include the following: An understanding of this will help you in recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack.

  1. Men experience pain the chest or discomfort differently – Among men, this is mostly felt as some kind of heavy pressure, or tight feeling. This could also be felt as a squeezing sensation in the chest. This symptom is considered as the very common and an easily identifiable symptom. 
  2. Men feel the pain radiating across the upper body – Among men, the pain usually begins in the chest and slowly radiates. This could spread to the left arm, or the neck, jaw, or back.
  3. Breathing difficulty is sudden and is usually experienced along with pain in the chest. However, shortness of breath without pain is also a possible symptom. The common condition is the sudden onset of breathing difficulty.
  4. Cold sweats – This is usually experienced by men during a heart attack.
  5. Dizzy feeling – Men experience this in combination with other symptoms. For instance, dizzy feelings, when experienced along with chest pain or difficulty breathing, can be considered as a symptom of heart attack in men.
  6. Unease in the torso – Discomfort or unease could be in either of the arms or both the arms. This could stretch to the back, the neck, jaw, or even the stomach.

Which heart attack signs in women are different?

The symptoms experienced by women are only slightly different, with just a few exclusive gender-specific symptoms. The symptoms are more subtle, and this actually poses a health risk.  The subtle nature of the symptoms make it harder identify and distinguish. It is therefore necessary to have a clearer understanding for recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack.

Overall tiredness that is abnormal – Women experience tiredness that is abnormal and this could be experienced for many days. A distinct nature of this symptom is that rest will not offer any relief. 

Difficulty breathing – This is somewhat common to that of men; however, the difference is the subtle nature of this symptom.  

Vomiting – This is more experienced in women than men. In most situations, there is every possibility of this being mistaken as due to other conditions. 

Pain in the jaw or the back – This pain may radiate to the back or to the jaw. This is different from the pain typically experienced by men, where the pain extends to the chest or the arm. 

The pain in the chest is different – Though chest pain is itself common to both genders, there is a difference in the nature of pain in women. It could be felt as some sharp pain, or a burning sensation, instead of the heavy pressure or heaviness felt by men. 

Women may wake up from sleep with pain in the neck or the shoulder. 

Indigestion – This symptom is likely to be confused as a gastrointestinal condition, but could also be due to a heart attack.

Women may experience many symptoms together, and due to the subtle nature, it could be misread. It is important to learn recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack and to seek emergency medical assistance.

Is vomiting a sign of heart attack?

Yes, vomiting could indicate that you are having a heart attack. However, heart attack is not the only reason for vomiting. This symptom is more commonly reported in women and could also be experienced other symptoms such as nausea, dizzy feelings and difficulty breathing. You may also experience some chest pain or unease with vomiting. Women are to look at these symptoms along with other symptoms to distinguish it as signs of a heart attack. In the event of other symptoms, it is necessary to seek medical assistance.

Is this true - pain early warning signs of a heart attack?

Yes, pain is known to be an early warning sign of a heart attack. As part of your understanding of recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack, you need to identify the distinct pain of a heart attack. It is almost always experienced as some kind of pressure being felt on the chest. Some may feel it as a squeezing sensation, while others experience it as a full feeling in the chest. The location of the pain is mostly in the middle of the chest. This pain could at times be experienced in the left arm, or also both arms.

Women may experience pain in the back, while there could be pain in the neck or the jaw also. Men may experience pain in the shoulders and the stomach also. The nature of the pain is slightly different from that of pain due to other reasons. It is not persistent, but intermittent, lasting for a few minutes. This pain goes away for a short while, only to return for a similar duration. These phases of pain can be a good way in recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack.

Are there any signs before heart attack?

There are signs before a heart attack, listed out earlier. Some signs not mentioned above include a sense of impending doom. When this is experienced with other symptoms, it means you definitely need to do something about it. 

The faster you react to the symptoms, the better are your chances or the chances of the person who is experiencing the symptoms.

How will genetic testing help?

Genetic testing helps in many ways in preventing or mitigating the effects of a heart attack. There are many reasons that cause a heart attack, and one of the reasons is genetic predisposition through inheritance and genetic mutations. Genetic testing, presently available in Tamil Nadu, helps to uncover these reasons and help you understand your future or lifetime risk of a heart attack. Based on the assessment, you can then take suitable remedial measures.

Apart from an understanding of recognizing early warning signs of a heart attack, it would help be undergo genetic testing. In addition to the ability to uncover your risks, you can also receive better treatment, because genetic changes affect the way each person responds to medicines. For instance, some people respond better to medications, while some do not. This could be even when everything is similar – age, gender, overall health, underlying medical conditions etc. The difference is the genetic dissimilarities between people. Understanding this will help receive better treatment. Personalized medications and genetic testing go hand in hand for better medical outcomes.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

Related Blogs :
Posted on:

Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome and the Role of Genetic Testing in Prevention

Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome and the Role of Genetic Testing in Prevention

Written By Jannie James
Reviewed by Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist 

As an avid sports enthusiast, I have always marveled at the remarkable endurance and strength of athletes. However, the tragic reality of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) among athletes has left me deeply concerned. SCD is the unexpected death due to heart-related causes, often occurring during or shortly after exercise. It’s a silent and sudden killer that strikes without warning, making it imperative to understand its roots and explore preventive measures. One such measure is genetic testing, which holds the potential to save lives by identifying individuals at risk before tragedy strikes.

The Nature of Sudden Cardiac Death

SCD is particularly insidious because it often affects seemingly healthy individuals with no prior symptoms. Athletes, who push their bodies to the limit, are especially vulnerable. The causes of SCD are varied and can include structural heart abnormalities, electrical issues, or both. Common conditions associated with SCD in athletes include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and long QT syndrome (LQTS).

These conditions can disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Dr. Michael Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, emphasizes, “Genetic heart diseases are a leading cause of SCD in young people, especially athletes. Understanding and identifying these conditions can significantly reduce the risk of sudden death.”

The Importance of Pre-Participation Screening

Given the unpredictable nature of SCD, pre-participation screening (PPS) is crucial for athletes. PPS typically involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and sometimes an electrocardiogram (ECG). While these steps are essential, they might not be sufficient to identify all at-risk individuals. This is where genetic testing comes into play.

Genetic testing can uncover hidden risks by identifying mutations in genes associated with cardiac conditions. For instance, a mutation in the MYH7 gene is linked to HCM, while mutations in the PKP2 gene are associated with ARVC. Detecting these mutations allows for early intervention and management, potentially preventing a fatal event.

The Power of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing, particularly the kind of tests we run at Lifecode.life, involves analyzing an individual’s DNA to identify genetic variants that increase the risk of certain diseases, including those that cause SCD. This information can be invaluable in tailoring screening and management strategies for athletes. By understanding their genetic predispositions, athletes can take proactive steps to mitigate their risk.

For example, an athlete found to have a genetic mutation linked to LQTS might be advised to avoid certain medications or activities that could trigger arrhythmias. Similarly, those with HCM-related mutations can be monitored more closely and may receive recommendations for lifestyle adjustments or medical treatments.

Dr. Christine Seidman, a renowned geneticist at Harvard Medical School, highlights, “Genetic testing is a powerful tool that allows us to identify individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death before they experience any symptoms. This proactive approach can save lives and help athletes make informed decisions about their health and sports participation.”

Challenges and Considerations

While genetic testing offers significant promise, it is not without challenges. The interpretation of genetic results can be complex, as not all genetic variants are well understood. Additionally, the psychological impact of learning about one’s genetic risk cannot be overlooked. It’s essential for athletes and their families to receive appropriate counseling and support throughout the process.

Moreover, the cost of genetic testing and potential insurance implications are important considerations. However, as technology advances and becomes more accessible, the benefits of genetic testing in preventing SCD are likely to outweigh the drawbacks.

The fight against SCD in athletes is multifaceted, requiring a combination of awareness, education, and advanced medical interventions. Genetic testing stands out as a beacon of hope, offering the potential to identify at-risk individuals and take preventive measures before it’s too late.

To quote Dr. Robert Myerburg, a cardiologist at the University of Miami: “We have the tools to prevent many cases of sudden cardiac death. The key is to use them effectively and ensure that those at risk are identified and managed appropriately.”

By embracing genetic testing and integrating it into comprehensive screening programs, we can move closer to a future where the tragic loss of athletes to SCD becomes a rarity rather than a common occurrence. Our commitment to understanding and preventing SCD can save lives and ensure that athletes continue to inspire us with their extraordinary feats of endurance and strength.

References

  1. Ackerman, M.J. (2018). “Genetic Testing for Sudden Cardiac Death Risk in Athletes.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
  2. “Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes.” American Heart Association.
  3. Maron, B.J., et al. (2015). “Preparticipation Screening for Cardiovascular Disease in Competitive Athletes.” Circulation.
  4. “Genetic Testing for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.” Cleveland Clinic.
  5. Zipes, D.P., & Wellens, H.J. (2017). “Sudden Cardiac Death.” Circulation.
  6. Seidman, C.E., & Seidman, J.G. (2016). “The Genetic Basis for Cardiomyopathy.” Harvard Medical School.
  7. “Challenges in Genetic Testing for Heart Disease.” National Institutes of Health.
  8. “The Cost and Benefits of Genetic Testing.” American Medical Association.
  9. Myerburg, R.J. (2019). “Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death: A New Paradigm.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Related Blogs :
Posted on:

What is the Main Reason of Heart Attack among Young Adults?

What is the Main Reason of Heart Attack among Young Adults?

Introduction

There is no specific age group for heart attack, as more and more young adults have experienced a heart attack. However, there are certain typical trends that are used to indicate the average age of people who have had a heart attack. For men, the average age for the first heart attack is around 65 years old, and for women it is around 72 years. However, recent reports offer proof that young adults below the age of 45 are also now prone to heart attacks. These are not attributed to any single reason of heart attack but are typically due to a combination of reasons.

What is the reason of heart attack in young age?

Multiple factors are responsible for a heart attack in young adults. Before we look at the reason of heart attack, here is an example worth noting. Saif Ali Khan, the famous Bollywood star had a heart ailment at the age of 36, due to reduced blood flow to the heart. He survived and is now leading a normal life, thanks to timely treatment and post-treatment care. Testing of the condition at the right time played an important role in determining the actual cause.

Let’s look at the different reasons that could cause a heart attack among young people. These are usually different from reasons for heart attacks in older adults.

  1. Genetic reasons – This is a reason of heart attack among young people and older adults as well. This is attributed to a family history of heart disease. This considerably increases future or lifetime risk of heart attack, even if other contributing factors are absent. 
  2. Specific conditions that run in the family – One possible condition is familial hypercholesterolemia that is known to end up with high cholesterol levels. 
  3. Smoking – This is recognized as a major risk or reason for heart attack among young adults.
  4. Hyperglycemia – If you have abnormally high levels of blood sugar, you are at risk of developing a heart disease.
  5. Hypertension – This is often not detected, until it is too late. Unregulated high blood pressure levels will cause extensive damage to the arteries and heart. This develops gradually and silently, and is often detected when considerable damage is done.
  6. Obesity – If your weight is in the category of obesity or excessive body weight, this could result in putting you are increased risk of heart disease.
  7. Cholesterol – When your cholesterol levels are high, it can result in buildup of plaque and cause partial or complete blockage of your arteries.
  8. Underlying conditions – Certain existing inflammatory and autoimmune conditions are also a reason of heart attack. This includes lupus and kawasaki disease. 
  9. Congenital defects – People born with structural heart problems are more prone to heart attack risk.

What is the difference between congenital and inherited?

It is necessary to know the distinction between congenital and inherited, cited as a reason of heart attack above.  Congenital refers to conditions that may be present in a person at birth, as some kind of defect. Inherited conditions refer to defects that are passed down the family through genes. These genetic mutations run in the family exposing many members to a similar disease.

Is it possible to detect heart attack risk or conditions through symptoms?

Yes, it is possible to detect risk of heart attack through certain tell-tale symptoms. Awareness of the reason of heart attack helps to go in for timely screening and preventive treatment. This will help to reduce the risk considerably and also reduce the effect of heart attacks in the eventuality of an occurrence.

Symptoms can indicate the conditions that contribute to the risk of heart attack. Genetic testing can identify many issues that will later contribute to the risk of heart attack. For instance, genetic testing can determine if you have any genetic mutations or variants due to congenital defects. Similarly, genetic testing will also help to determine if you have any inherited conditions that can develop into a risk or reason of heart attack.

What are the samples that I need to provide for genetic testing for heart attack risk?

The samples that you need to provide for genetic testing for heart attack risk could be either saliva or blood sample, depending on the test. Drawing of these samples do not require time and are carried out in the laboratory. DNA is extracted from the samples; the findings are then analyzed and reports generated. These reports will offer a clear risk score indicating if you have any condition that could be a reason of heart attack.

Presently, there are advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamilnadu to screen for risk of heart attack. This will help you understand if you have any conditions that will become a reason of heart attack in the future. Upon identifying this lifetime risk or a future risk of heart attack, you can then seek suitable treatment to prevent or mitigate the risk. This could be through lifestyle changes, medications and procedures wherever necessary.

What are the genetic tests for heart attack risk?

The following tests are carried out to check for risk of heart attack. The reports of these tests are always used along with other clinical data, observations and medical records to determine risk and the most suitable treatment approach.

  1. Polygenic Risk Scores – This is an aggregate score of the effects of multiple genetic variants and help determine your overall genetic risk of ending up with heart disease.  
  2. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms – This test looks for changes on chromosome 9 which are linked to risk of coronary artery disease.  
  3. Specific Genes – This test looks for changes in the APOE gene, that is linked to risk of heart disease.  
  4. Lipid – This test looks for changes in the LPA gene that impacts lipoprotein levels. Thiis belongs to the category of LDL cholesterol that poses a risk of heart disease.  
  5. Inflammation – This test looks for changes in the CRP gene, related to inflammation and risk of cardiovascular issues, when chronic.

These tests help determine your risk of heart attack, and based on the assessment, you can then take suitable, recommended remedial measures.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

Related Blogs :
Posted on:

How to Predict Heart Attack Reason and take Suitable Treatment?

How to Predict Heart Attack Reason and take Suitable Treatment?

Introduction

Elizabeth Banks, the famous actress in “The Hunger Games” discovered she was at high risk of heart attack because of a family history of heart disease. She quickly took preventive actions, including making desired the lifestyle changes and periodic check-ups. Another example is that of Rita Wilson, who discovered through genetic testing that was predisposed to health issues, including cardiovascular health. Elizabeth and Rita are not alone – there are countless people who have benefitted from testing to detect heart attack reason. This has saved lives, and could also help you or a near and dear one. Read on for simple tips on how you can detect or predict future or lifetime risk of heart attack.

Is there a single reason behind heart attack?

No, in most cases, heart attack is often due to multiple reasons that work together to trigger one. However, in some rare instances, there could be a single reason for heart attack. Every heart attack reason has possible tell-tale symptoms, and this can help you to detect the risk in a timely manner. Here are some of the reasons that could directly or indirectly cause a heart attack. Some of the conditions actually develop over time and this gives you enough time to detect and take suitable remedial action.

  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Heart valve disease.
  • Congenital heart disease.
  • Family history of heart disease.
  • Anomalous coronary arteries.
  • Diabetes.
  • Smoking.
  • Alcohol use.
  • Obesity, sedentary lifestyle.
  • Stress.
  1. Sleep apnea.

What is the reason of heart attack and how does it cause an attack?

Each heart attack reason either directly or indirectly triggers an attack. Read short descriptions of how each reason causes an attack. 

  • Coronary artery disease – Known as CAD, this is regarded as one of the most common causes of heart attacks. This is due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries that deliver blood to the heart. This occurs as a result of plaque buildup, medically known as atherosclerosis.
  • High blood pressure – Medically labelled as hypertension, this refers to high blood pressure levels that cause undue strain on the heart. This develops over a period of time, and results in increased risk of heart attack, either from atherosclerosis or from a thickening of the heart muscle. 
  • Smoking – When you smoke or when you are exposed to secondhand smoke, you will experience multiple effects. This includes damage to the lining of the arteries, blood clotting, and also reduces HDL levels. HDL is the term for good cholesterol which helps heart health. 
  • High cholesterol levels – When you have high levels of LDL, known as bad cholesterol, you are at risk of atherosclerosis. This increases the risk of heart attack.
  • Diabetes – When this not controlled, it increases your risk of heart attack. When you have high blood sugar levels, this damages blood vessels and nerves related to the functioning of the heart.
  • Obesity – Excessive weight, increases your risk of heart attack. One of the problems of obesity is its link to other risk factors, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
  1. Family history of heart disease – If there is a history of heart ailments in the family, then you are also at risk. However, it is important to note that this could be a risk mostly in conditions when someone in the family has had a heart attack at a young age.

How to understand the symptoms of each heart attack reason?

There are clear symptoms of each heart attack reason that you can use to detect or predict possible risk of heart disease. Let’s look at four reasons for heart attack and some of the symptoms for easy understanding, that you can use to follow up with a proper screening or laboratory tests.

Symptoms of high blood pressure?

During the early stage of hypertension, you will most likely not come across noticeable symptoms. High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer” because of this. However, when your blood pressure levels increase, you are likely to experience some of the following symptoms: 

Headaches – You may experience frequent headaches, in the back of your head.

Dizzy feelings – You may feel faint when you try to stand up quickly from a resting position.

Impact on vision – You may experience vision problems like blurred vision or double images.

Pain in the chest pain – This may be experienced when there is high blood pressure or when there is a serious heart issue. 

Difficulty breathing – You may experience difficulty breathing when high blood pressure causes heart failure.

Changes in heartbeat – If you experience change sin heart beat like a pounding sensation in the chest, it is time to go in for a check-up.

Symptoms of high cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels is a heart attack reason, but you may not easily experience symptoms. Only when the condition progresses to persistent high cholesterol levels symptoms will develop. Possible symptoms include the following:

  • Angina – Pain in the chest, could be an indication of coronary artery disease due to atherosclerosis.
  • Peripheral artery disease – Pain in the leg or cramping during physical activity, could be due to atherosclerosis in the arteries that move blood to the legs.
  • Transient ischemic attack or stroke – Sudden weakness or numb feeling in the face, arm, or leg, on one side of the body is a symptom. 
  • Xanthomas – Visible deposits of cholesterol include yellowish patches or bumps on the skin. This is mostly seen around the eyelids, or joints. 
  • Corneal arcus – If you observe a whitish or gray ring around the cornea of the eye, it could be an indication of high cholesterol levels.
  • Gallstones – The formation of gallstones can cause pain and is a symptom of high cholesterol levels.
  • Erectile dysfunction – Men with high cholesterol may experience changes to the blood flow to the genitals, causing erectile dysfunction.
  1. Pancreatitis – When you have very high triglyceride levels this causes inflammation of the pancreas. This may trigger pain in the abdomen, or nausea.

Symptoms of high blood sugar levels

Diabetes will trigger multiple symptoms, that may vary depending on the blood sugar levels, and the period since the levels were high. Common symptoms of diabetes that will slowly develop to a heart attack reason include the following:

  • Thirst – You will experience more thirst, because the body attempts to push out excess sugar through urine.
  • Increased urge to urinate – You may have the urge to urinate frequently, especially at night. This is because the kidneys will start working to flush out excess sugar.
  • Tiredness – You will feel extremely and abnormally tired as the cells in your body may not be receiving enough glucose.
  • Impact on vision – You may experience blurred vision because high blood sugar removes fluid from the eyes, affecting focus.
  • Hunger – You will feel hungry as the cells in your body will not get sufficient glucose.
  • Dryness in the mouth – Increased urination can cause dry mouth.
  • Headaches – You may experience frequent headaches.
  1. Healing from wounds – High blood sugar levels can affect the body’s ability to heal wounds.

Indications of family history of heart disease

Another heart attack reason is family history of heart disease. This can put you at increased risk of developing heart ailments, and common symptoms or indications include: 

  • Premature ailment – When a close relative such as a parent or a brother/sister have heart ailment at an early age, it could indicate a family history. For instance, if heart ailments affect males before attaining 55 years of age and women before 65 years.
  • Ailments for many members in the family – If more members of your immediate family are diagnosed with heart disease, it could mean you are genetically predisposed. This is especially if the ailments are at a young age.
  • Specific conditions – Certain types of heart disease like coronary artery disease, angina, heart failure, or arrhythmias may be an indication of the condition running in the family. 
  • Ethnicity – People of specific ethnic groups are known to have higher prevalence of heart disease. 


With genetic testing you can identify specific gene mutations or variants that are linked with higher risk of heart diseases. Advanced facilities are now available in Tamilnadu, offering individuals the chance to carry out proper testing that can rule out the condition or confirm risk. Depending on the results, you can take suitable remedial measures, if required. Genetic testing involves simple sample collection and analysis that offers a clear and conclusive result.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

Related Blogs :
Posted on:

What are the top lifestyle recommendations for heart attack prevention?

What are the top lifestyle recommendations for heart attack prevention?

Introduction

Misconceptions and myths about heart disease and lifestyle abound, especially on the internet. The impact of such misinformation is serious, and in many instances may have had adverse consequences. Here is a round up of common myths along with expert advice on lifestyle recommendations for heart attack prevention. Simple steps will go a long way in ensuring that you and your family prevent or reduce risk of heart attacks.

What suggestion do you give to prevent heart attack?

There are multiple suggestions for prevention of heart attack – screening, genetic testing, medications, lifestyle modifications, treatment of underlying health conditions. However, the first action on your part should be awareness of myths. You need to dispel these wrong notions first and follow expert advice. Let’s look at some of the common myths.

  1. I am fit, I need not worry – Your physical fitness is good, and important for the health of your heart. However, it does not protect you from the risk of heart attack. Because there are other factors like your diet, genetics, and lifestyle.
  2. I am young, only old people are at risk – Young people are increasingly prone to heart attacks as can be seen from multiple news reports daily. Though it is true that risk increases with age, young people are also at risk due to obesity, smoking, diabetes, or family history.
  3. There is family history of heart disease, and I am doomed – This is a wrong assumption. Though family history of heart disease will put you at increased risk, you can greatly reduce the risk. You will need to follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, and adopt a proper lifestyle. 
  4. I got myself tested, I am diagnosed with heart disease, there is nothing that can be done – If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, it is not the end. There are multiple options available to improve your heart health and reduce your risk of heart attacks. This includes following lifestyle recommendations for heart attack prevention, quitting smoking, adopting a heart-healthy diet, with a good exercise regimen. Medications and procedures also considerably mitigate risks. 
  5. My gender is feminine, since the risk is only for men, there is no reason for alarm – Both men and women are equally at risk of heart attack. The major difference is the different symptoms experienced by men women. As a result of these changes in symptoms, people end up remaining undiagnosed. 
  6. I take vitamins and supplements, and therefore I am not at risk – A balanced diet is good for heart health, and this means more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Presently, there is no scientific evidence to claim that supplements offer protection from heart attack. 
  7. I take red wine, and this is good for my heart – Some benefits may accrue from moderate consumption; however, it is never a recommendation for everyone. This is because there is a possibility of other risks from such consumption, which may indirectly result in putting you at risk of heart attack.
  8. I have low cholesterol levels, and therefore I am not at risk – High cholesterol is a contributing factor to high risk of heart attack. However, there are other factors like blood pressure, smoking, genetics and diabetes. By having low cholesterol levels, you are not free from these risks, and it is necessary to assess all your risk factors, and follow lifestyle recommendations for heart attack prevention. 
  9. I avoid all fats and this is the best decision – There are healthy fats, that can actually protect your heart. This includes fat in avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish. Instead of avoiding all fats, the best option is to reduce intake of saturated fats and stay away from trans fats, while consuming healthy fats. 
  10. I exercise intensely and therefore I will not get a heart attack – There are multiple examples of people experiencing a heart attack in gyms. There are numerous examples of fully fit, young people having a heart attack. It is true that moderate exercise performed consistently will contribute to heart health. However, this is not a guarantee from risk due to other factors.

What are the best recommendations to prevent heart attack?

The following recommendations will help you reduce risk of heart attack. These are broad recommendations, and the actions that work for you will be best determined by a specialist. This will be based on your age, gender, your risk level, your overall health, and underlying conditions. Therefore, follow lifestyle recommendations for heart attack prevention with proper medical supervision or recommendations.

  • Heart-healthy diet – Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Choose healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Cut down saturated fats and avoid trans fats. Similarly, cut down on salt intake and sugary foods or beverages.
  • Exercise – At least one and a half hour per week. This should include exercises that are either moderate or slightly intense, depending on your age and gender. 
  • Right weight – Track your weight and body mass index. 
  • Quit smoking – Apart from quitting smoking, ensure that you avoid places where you may be exposed to secondhand smoke.
  • Periodic screenings – Check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and risk of diabetes.  Depending on the tests, take suitable remedial measures.
  • Existing conditions – Treat chronic conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Before you start any lifestyle recommendations for heart attack prevention, it is ideal to go in for a proper screening, and genetic testing. This will help you zero in on genetic component of future or lifetime risk of heart attack. Based on the results, you can seek medical intervention for a holistic approach to prevent heart attack. Advanced genetic testing facilities are now available in Tamilnadu, and all that is required is a sample of your saliva or blood. This will give a detailed report, pointing out any genetic mutations or inherited genes that could put you at risk of a heart attack.

Medically Reviewed by

 Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

 Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

Related Blogs :
Posted on:

Expert suggestions on medical interventions for heart attack prevention

Expert suggestions on medical interventions for heart attack prevention

Introduction

Simple cost comparison between preventing a heart attack and treatment post heart attack clearly add to the benefits of prevention. Depending on the type of treatment required, you may have to fork out as much as four lakhs for a procedure. Regardless of the insurance coverage, you will still have to foot bills. The incomparable benefit of prevention is the possible outcome of a heart attack, the tense moments, the post-attack treatment. It makes sense to follow expert suggestions on medical interventions for heart attack prevention. Here are some of the top strategies compiled for your benefit.

What are the medical interventions for heart attack prevention?

The following interventions can help prevent a heart attack or mitigate the effects of one. A sequence of actions, such as screening, lifestyle modifications, medications, etc. should be followed.

#1. Periodic screening

  • Blood tests – Cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers of heart attack risk.
  • Blood pressure – Monitoring blood pressure levels periodically.
  • Stress tests and imaging – Stress echocardiograms or CT scans for detailed observation of heart health.

#2. Modifications to lifestyle  

  • Diet – A heart-healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Exercise – Regular exercise, with a minimum of two and a half hours per week of moderate-intensity activity.
  • Weight – Achieving and maintaining the right weight to reduce the workload on the heart.
  • Smoking – Ceasing smoking completely to improve heart health.
  • Alcohol – Regulating alcohol intake, or if possible, stopping intake completely.

#3. Medicines

  • Antiplatelets – Aspirin and clopidogrel to prevent blood clots.
  • Statins – Atorvastatin and simvastatin to bring down cholesterol levels.
  • Beta-Blockers – To reduce blood pressure levels and heart rate, which help to reduce the burden on the heart. 
  • ACE inhibitors/ARBs – Enalapril and losartan to bring down blood pressure levels.
  • Diuretics – To control blood pressure levels by bringing down fluid retention.
  • Nitroglycerin – To offer relief from chest pain, also known as angina.

#4. Procedures

  • Angioplasty, stenting: To widen or open up narrowed/blocked coronary arteries, followed by positioning a stent.
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting – To create a new pathway to facilitate blood flow to the heart.

#5. Treating underlying conditions

  • Hypertension – Regulating high blood pressure levels to desired levels.
  • Diabetes – Ensuring healthy blood sugar levels.
  • Cholesterol – Controlling cholesterol levels through medications.

#6. New treatment regimen

  • PCSK9 inhibitors – New drug formulations to reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
  • Anticoagulants – To manage risk of blood clot formation.
  1. Wearables – Technology to monitor heart health and trigger notifications.

What is the best treatment medicine for heart attack prevention?

Different medications are recommended as treatment post heart attack and for preventing a heart attack among high risk patients. It is difficult to claim that a single medication is the best medical interventions for heart attack prevention. Here are some of the medications that are commonly used as part of treatment regimen.

  • Antiplatelets – These drugs are also known as blood thinners, and reduce the risk of blood clots. One of the most common medications of this category is Aspirin, and it is mostly combined with clopidogrel.
  • Fibrates – To lower high cholesterol levels, indirectly reducing your risk of heart attack.
  • Statins – To lower cholesterol and other fats in your body, indirectly reducing your risk of heart attack. Commonly prescribed statins include atorvastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin.
  • ACE inhibitors – To treat heart failure and lower blood pressure, lowering your risk of heart attack, if you are diagnosed with coronary artery disease.  
  • Diuretics – To facilitate removal of sodium and water from the kidneys, and to relax blood vessel walls. This, in turn helps reduce your blood pressure.
  1. SGLT2 inhibitors – To reduce the risk of heart attack if you are identified as high risk.

Will heart attack prevention medicine stop a heart attack?

Three categories of medicines are usually prescribed to help prevent a heart attack when a patient is diagnosed as high risk. These are antihypertensives, statins and antiplatelets. These medications will considerably lower the risk of heart attack, but, only if combined with other recommendations. For example, medical interventions for heart attack prevention include lifestyle changes, drastic diet modifications, and periodic check-up or monitoring of health. The underlying conditions that are responsible for the risk are to be treated.

What is the average cost of treatment of heart attack treatment in India?

The cost of various treatments may differ, depending on the hospital, the location and the supportive care. However, the average costs may be listed as follows:

  • Open heart surgery – ₹1.75 lakh to ₹4.25 lakh
  • Coronary angiography – ₹10,000 to ₹15,000
  • Valve surgeries – ₹2.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh
  • Heart bypass surgery – ₹150,000 to ₹400,000
  1. Coronary angioplasty, stenting – ₹100,000 to ₹300,000

How will genetic testing help detect and prevent a heart attack?

Genetic testing can help detect and prevent heart attacks by identifying the risks through specific genetic mutations or inherited risk factors. When you are aware of the genetic component of a possible risk, you can seek and receive medical interventions for heart attack prevention. Genetic testing facilities are presently available in Tamilnadu and these advanced lab tests offer a clear prediction of your risk. The tests are relatively simple and painless, with very little time for the sample collection.

How is genetic testing for heart attack performed?

  1. Sample collection – A simple saliva sample or a cheek swab, or a blood sample may be collected for comprehensive genetic analysis.
  2. DNA extraction – The sample is processed at a laboratory where the DNA is extracted from the cells in the saliva, cheek swab, or blood.
  3. Genotyping or Sequencing – Specific locations in the genome are examined for variations that are linked to heart disease.  Sequencing refers to a more comprehensive analysis to identify rare variants. 
  4. Analysis – The data is analysed with advanced computational tools to identify variants. Polygenic Risk Scores offer a more comprehensive risk assessment by summing up the effects of multiple genetic variants.
  5. Reports – The results are interpreted along with the patient’s medical history, family history, and other assessed risks. This gives a detailed report interpreting the identified genetic variants, its impact on the risk, and the recommendations for managing the condition.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

Related Blogs :
Posted on:

What Is The Accuracy Of Heart Attack Prediction Using Machine Learning?

What Is The Accuracy Of Heart Attack Prediction Using Machine Learning?

Introduction

Imagine receiving a reliable prediction for the next ten years regarding any possible risk of heart attack. Interesting, right? Well, it is not the stuff of science fiction anymore, it is a proven method that is being used in many places across the globe. Read on to learn about documented examples of heart attack prediction using machine learning and how it has saved lives.

Examples of heart attack prediction through machine learning techniques

Here is a small compilation of different studies conducted across the globe to predict risk of heart attack.

  1. Framingham heart study – Data was collated from this study to develop predictive models for heart attacks. These models were able to predict the risk of heart attacks for a period up to 10-years. This prediction was based on risk factors like age, cholesterol, blood pressure levels, smoking habits, and blood glucose levels.
  2. Cleveland heart study – Based on the data from this study, researchers were able to predict risk of heart attacks. This research on heart attack prediction using machine learning achieved prediction accuracy that was more than 85%.
  3. In the year 2019, a study was conducted on the basis of data from health records. This looked at patient history, laboratory reports and medical data. Based on this data, the prediction models clearly identified patterns and risk factors linked to heart attacks.
  4. Use of wearable devices – Another important area of development that is now widely practiced is the use of wearable devices. Data from wearable devices are used to monitor heart health in real-time – heart rate, activity, etc.  This data is then analyzed through machine learning to detect early signs of heart issues. This helps in predicting possible heart attacks.
  • Various detailed studies over the years have demonstrated high accuracy. The period of prediction for risk of heart attack has also increased, making it a good technique to detect and predict heart attacks.

What are the different techniques used for heart attack prediction using machine learning?

Various techniques are employed to predict the possibility of a heart attack. Here is a list of techniques that are commonly used for heart attack prediction using machine learning along with types of results.

  • Logistic Regression – This gives a binary result whether the person is likely to have a heart attack or not. 
  • Decision Trees – This shows the possible risk a heart attack.
  • Random Forests – This offers an accurate prediction of risk of heart attack.
  • Support Vector Machines – This also offers a binary result whether the person is at risk or not. 
  • Neural Networks – This is a deep learning model that looks at complex patterns for effective prediction.
  • Gradient Boosting Machines – This builds models in stages and predicts risks based on machine interpretation.

How is heart attack prediction using machine learning carried out?

The following steps are part of the processes to come up with risk factors of heart attack.

  1. Data collection.
  2. Data preprocessing.
  3. Feature selection.
  4. Model training.
  5. Model evaluation.
  6. Model deployment.

Have there been studies involving a combination of genetic testing and machine learning?

Yes, there have been studies that involve a combination of genetic testing and machine learning. This helps in ensuring higher accuracy in heart attack prediction using machine learning models. Thiis involves integrating genetic information with any of the above ML models. This has demonstrated increased accuracy and offers more personalized results of heart attack prediction. The integration of these two techniques involves the following:

Genetic testing

  • Identifying genetic risk factors – This involves analyzing DNA to identify variations that are known to be a factor in heart disease as certain genes are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks.
  • Polygenic Risk Scores – This is the sum total of many genetic variants to come up with a score. This score rates the genetic predisposition to risk of heart disease.

     

Integration with Machine Learning

  • Data Fusion – This is to combine the above genetic data with other clinical data. For example, the person’s age, blood pressure and cholesterol levels apart from lifestyle factors.   
  • Feature Engineering – This is the step where genetic information is selected as features in the machine learning models.
  • Model Training – This trains the models to look at the above inputs an identify patterns.

     

Heart attack prediction using machine learning models has had success in many documented studies. This is the basis on which present prediction services are offered to customers. Here are is brief outline of how some of the studies combined genetic testing and machine learning.

  • A study was conducted in 2018 to predict coronary artery disease and heart attacks. This was carried out by integrating polygenic risk scores with other clinical risk factors.
  • In the UK, a study looked at the UK Biobank, to develop predictive models for heart attacks. This relied on genetic data as well as clinical data.

     

There are clear and demonstrable advantages of combining genetic testing and machine learning. This vastly improves the accuracy of heart attack prediction using machine learning. Advantages include the following:

  • Accuracy
  • Personalization
  • Early Detection

Documented example of how genetic testing predicted risk of heart attack in people

Here is how genetic testing helped to predict the risk of heart attack. In 2020, the efficacy of polygenic scores was proven by a study that looked at almost 30,000 people to predict lifetime risk of heart disease. This fared better than typical assessment of risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol. 

Genetic testing for risk of heart attack is now offered in Tamilnadu. This is a reliable method to help you look for the genetic component of risks. This will give you a lifetime assessment of risk of heart disease due to genetic mutations or inheritance. Based on these results, combined with clinical data, and other simple tests, your cardiologist can easily recommend corrective measures. This could be medications, lifestyle modifications and other interventions to keep you safe from future heart attacks.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

Related Blogs :
Posted on:

Top Heart Attack Precautions To Prevent Heart Diseases

Top Heart Attack Precautions To Prevent Heart Diseases

Introduction

Almost half of the people who have had a heart attack sadly expire within the first hour of experiencing symptoms. This means that timely action can actually save lives, and it is important to be aware of the right actions in the event of such a medical emergency. To begin with, let’s look at some of the heart attack precautions that needs greater awareness. This will also help you dispel or ignore myths and wrong practices that cause complications in people.

Top Heart Attack Precautions

There are many precautions that you need to take to ensure a healthy life with low risk of a heart attack. However, the top precautions can be clubbed into the following, with different approaches to each of these precautions. 

  • Diet.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Weight.
  • Lifestyle.
  • Screening, medications.

Why is Diet a Part of Heart Attack Precautions?

Diet is an important part of heart attack precautions as an improper or unhealthy diet can increase risk of heart attack in many ways. For instance, a diet that is high in fat can increase your risk of atherosclerosis, and hardening of the arteries. Food that is high in fat, cholesterol that can cause fatty plaques to build up in the arteries.

Diet is an important risk factor, as it contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, and uncontrolled diabetes. It is important to follow a diet that comprises the following:

  • Low-saturated fat.
  • High-fiber diet.
  • Plant based food.
  • Low salt diet.

     

How Does High Blood Pressure Cause Increased Risk of Heart Disease?

One of the main heart attack precautions is to keep your blood pressure levels low.  Hypertension of high blood pressure, forces the heart to work harder as part of its function of pumping blood. This results in the thickening of the heart muscles, which also become stiff. This, results in abnormal functioning of the heart. A gradual effect of this is enlargement of the heart, impacting its efficiency. This compromises the functioning of the heart, making it difficult to deliver the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the body. Effects include structural and functional changes in the heart, such as hypertrophy of the left ventricle. This is known to increase the risk of heart attack and heart failure.

Why is it Important to Watch Your Weight to Heart Attacks Precautions?

It is reported that one out of five adults are likely to have heart disease by the year 2030. One of the important or major contributors to heart attack risk is obesity. This increases your risk by leading to other conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Additionally, adipose tissue hormonal secretions are known to induce inflammation and a prothrombotic state causing coronary heart disease.  When you are obese, or overweight, fatty material begins building up in arteries, and this leads to atherosclerosis. This is precisely why you need to manage your weight as part of heart attack precautions. There is a clear connection between weight and heart attacks, and studies have also demonstrated that regardless of conditions like diabetes or hypertension, weight is by itself a factor.

How Does Lifestyle have an Impact on Heart Attack Risk Precautions?

The impact of lifestyle on heart attack risk is profound. In addition to diet, mentioned earlier, factors such as smoking, alcohol and stress contribute to risk. Smoking is known to cause an increase in blood pressure levels and also causes atherosclerosis. Similarly, alcohol causes an increase in blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels. This increases the risk of heart attack.

Smokers are to completely stop the habit, to reduce risk. Similarly, while alcohol is to also be stopped completely, in the event of inability, it is to be reduced. Drinking above 10 small glasses of wine every week is a clear risk. Similarly, consuming more than 6 pints of low strength beer a week is also a risk. The best option is to reduce intake to minimal levels and if possible, stop the habit completely. These heart attack precautions will definitely lower your risk considerably.

What are The Best Screening Methods for Heart Disease?

Among the multiple options used for screening heart attack, the most common are the following methods.

  1. ECG.
  2. Blood tests.
  3. Calcium scoring.
  4. Stress test.

There are some preventive tests that you need to undergo, to identify risks and take suitable remedial measures.

  1. Medical history.
  2. Blood pressure.
  3. Weight, BMI.
  4. LDL, HDL levels.
  5. Blood glucose levels.
  6. Coronary calcium scan.

This will help detect and inform you of possible risks of heart attack. Based on this, you can then take necessary heart attack precautions to reduce risk. These are all markers of what is happening in your body and how this contributes to a risk of heart attack.

There is another important aspect that needs to be considered. There is a genetic component in heart attack risk. If there is someone in your family who has had a heart attack, there is also the possibility of it being passed on to you. Similarly, there could be certain genetic mutations that expose you to higher risk of heart attack.

To put is differently, these genetic components may put you at risk of conditions that create the risk of heart attack. There are tests that help you determine if you are at risk. By undergoing these tests, you can clearly determine if there is a genetic angle or probability of heart attack. Based on the test results you can then seek medical advice and take the right remedial and pre-emptive methods.

The tests that help determine the genetic component include are as listed below. There are advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamilnadu, that can help you understand risk of attack. The tests are uncomplicated and simple, and take very less time. A saliva sample may be taken to look at possible risk of heart attack causing conditions. Tests include the following:

  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotyping.
  • Whole Genome Sequencing.
  • Whole Exome Sequencing.
  • Targeted Gene Panels.
  • Polygenic Risk Scores.
  • Copy Number Variation Analysis.
  • Familial Hypercholesterolemia Genetic Testing.
  • Next-Generation Sequencing.
  • Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing.
  • Epigenetic Testing.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

Related Blogs :
Posted on:

Which Is The Best Heart Attack Diet Menu?

Which Is The Best Heart Attack Diet Menu?

Introduction

A heart healthy diet, or a cardiac diet has high importance in a post-heart attack scenario. This has also been identified as part of a holistic approach to help prevent heart attacks. Let’s look at this cardiac diet, which his essentially a diet plan that relies on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean poultry and oily fish like salmon and tuna. If you are looking for a heart attack diet menu, then this is something that you should not be missing.

What is a heart attack patient diet?

This refers to a diet that is heart healthy and intended to help prevent heart attacks and patients who have just had a heart attack. Did you know that Japan has the lowest heart attack mortality rate? Are you aware that the mediterranean diet has long been known to contribute to lower cardiovascular disease? Let’s look at these diets in detail to understand more about a heart attack diet menu.

What is the mediterranean diet?

This diet is typically preferred by people living around the mediterranean sea. It is distinct in terms of the choice of different items consumed on a regular day. This comprises vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans as a staple diet. Additionally, the diet includes customary nuts and seeds, olive oil, and dishes are almost always seasoned with herbs and spices.

Is there a plan that is followed in the diet?

Yes, there is an approach that can be discerned from the menu, and this makes it a good choice as a heart attack diet menu. Primarily, the diet can be decoded as food that is consumed daily, and food that is consumed at least once a week. For instance, every day you will eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains and plant-based fats. Additionally, once every week, you will eat fish, poultry, beans, legumes and eggs. Dairy products are consumed in moderation, while red meat intake is limited to occasional consumption. A consistent and important approach in this diet is controlling and restricting intake of food products that will require added sugar.

The central theme of the diet is plant based, and not a meat based diet. Another important and interesting point about this diet is the choice of healthy fats. Preparations always include unsaturated fats in place of saturated and trans fats. It is commonly known that saturated fat and trans-fat are contributors to heart disease.

How does the mediterranean diet avoid unhealthy saturated and trans-fat?

The mediterranean diet relies on olive oil and nuts for fat. As unsaturated fat, from plant sources, it considerably reduces total cholesterol levels. Additionally, it also keeps low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels low. By keeping bad cholesterol levels low, it contributes to a healthy heart and reduces risk of heart attack.  This makes it a good choice of heart attack diet menu, as it replaces saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat.

Are there is any scientific or medical findings?

Yes, there are documented guidelines and findings that support this. For instance, there is a diet known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and this helps you reduce the risk of hypertension through the right diet. This is also consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, to help reduce risk of certain diseases. A key finding is that seafood, seeds, nuts, legumes and some vegetable oils have healthy fats.

The mediterranean diet includes fish, and the popular specie of fish that is part of the diet includes fatty fish. Mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, salmon and anchovies are all varieties of fish that are known as fatty fish, with the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids. This is essentially unsaturated fat that is known to bring down certain immune responses in the body. For example, inflammation is an immune response.

Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids are also known to reduce triglycerides, that impact blood clotting. A combination of the all benefits of Omega 3s through their mechanism of action is reduced risk of stroke and heart failure.

Tips on choosing the right fish to include in a heart healthy diet

If you are looking for a heart healthy diet and would prefer to include fish, here are simple tips. In addition to the fish listed about in the mediterranean diet, you could also try shellfish like shrimp, crab, clams and scallops. Apart from this, you could also include lean fish like cod, haddock, hake and whitefish.

It is essential to ensure that the fish you consume has low mercury levels. This is because high mercury levels can cause harm to the brain and your nervous system. This happens gradually, silently. All the above fish specie are low in mercury levels.

What food products should I avoid after a heart attack or to prevent a heart attack?

As part of your heart attack diet menu, it is absolutely necessary to avoid certain food products. These are known to increase your risk of heart attack, either directly or indirectly. An important aspect that many fail to understand is that the changes brought about in your body through these food products are over a period of time. You will never know, until it is late.

It is also necessary to bear in mind that a dietary approach will be a part of a holistic approach and should include other lifestyle changes and medications. Here are some products that you should stay away from, if you have had a heart attack or if you want to prevent it.

  • Fast food, fried food products.
  • Canned food products. 
  • Frozen meals, that are processed.
  • Candy, cookies, cakes, biscuits.
  • Ice cream.
  • Mayonnaise. 
  • Pizza, burgers, hot dogs.

Is it possible to detect risk of heart attack?

Yes, some of the risk factors of heart attack can be detected in advance. There is a genetic component to conditions that contribute to a heart attack. This can be detected through simple genetic testing. This involves drawing a blood sample or a saliva sample to extract DNA. This is then analyzed and the results indicate if you are at risk of a heart attack in the future. This could be due to certain conditions that are genetically passed or if there are any genetic mutations that put you at risk. Genetic testing is now available in Tamilnadu, and the advanced tests offer a clear prediction if you are genetically predisposed to risk of heart attack.

 

Medically Reviewed by

Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

Related Blogs :
Add to cart