4 warning signs your body is giving you before a heart attack

A heart attack may seem like it happened out of nowhere, but in most cases, the body is trying to warn us first. According to a recent study published in the American College of Cardiology, more than 99 percent of people who have a heart attack have at least one medical problem before it strikes. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, or smoking. Paying attention to these warning signs before a heart attack can literally save your life.

It’s scary when you think about it, but it’s also hopeful. If your body sends signals early, you have a real chance to stop things before they turn bad. Let’s go over what those signs look like and what you can do about them.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure doesn’t usually scream for attention. It breaks you in a little, and before you know it, the damage is already done. In the study, high blood pressure turned out to be the most common of all the risk factors for heart attacks, appearing in more than 95 percent of the people studied.

Basically, when blood pressure stays high, the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. Over time, that wears out the veins, making them narrower and harder. Eventually, they meet, and that’s when things can get really bad.

The tricky part is, most people don’t feel anything. Sometimes he gets dizzy or short of breath, but most people don’t notice anything until he ends up in the hospital.

What you can do:

• Get your blood pressure checked regularly, not just when you feel off.
• Cut back on salty foods and try not to eat too much processed stuff.
• Go for a walk, even a short one, a few times a week.
• Drink less alcohol and try to quit smoking if you can.
• If your doctor gives you pills, don’t skip it because you feel good.

Even small changes help. Lowering your blood pressure even slightly can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack.

High cholesterol

It’s one of those things that doesn’t cause pain, so it’s easy to forget about it until it’s too late. It’s a fatty substance that your body needs in small amounts, but when your body produces too much, it can lead to arterial plaques (clogging your arteries).

In the study, people with cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg / dl are more likely to have heart problems. That extra cholesterol sticks to your artery walls, forming plaque that blocks blood flow. When that plaque breaks, it can instantly cause a heart attack.

You may feel tired, or you may get a pain in your chest when you walk around, but often, there are no symptoms at all. That’s why doctors call it “It’s quiet“The problem.

What you can do:

• Add more fruits, veggies, and whole grains to your diet.
• Use olive oil instead of butter or margarine.
• Eat less fried food and cut down on red meat.
• Move your body every day, even if it’s just a 20-minute walk.
• If your doctor recommends a drug, it may be for a good reason.

Managing cholesterol doesn’t have to be difficult. A few effective diet and lifestyle changes can keep your heart strong for years.

High blood sugar

High blood sugar isn’t just about diabetes, it’s also a major player in heart disease. When your blood sugar levels are high, it clogs your blood vessels. Studies have found that people with glucose levels of 100 mg / dl or more are more likely to have a heart attack.

Your blood sugar levels rise when your body can’t use insulin properly. This leads to swelling inside your blood vessels, which causes them to weaken over time. Finally, that build-up can block blood flow to your heart.

If you feel thirsty all the time, look up often, or feel very tired, your blood sugar may be higher than normal. However, sometimes, there is no sign at all.

What you can do:

• Eat a diet that includes veggies, lean protein, and whole grains.
• Cut down on sugar and sugar, yes “eaters”.
• Try to move after a meal, it helps your body handle sugar better.
• Get your blood tested regularly, especially if diabetes runs in your family.
• Follow your doctor’s plan, even if it means medicine.

Keeping your blood sugar steady isn’t just about protecting your blood sugar, it’s one of the smartest ways to protect your heart.

Tobacco use

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your heart, and most people know it, but quitting isn’t easy. The study found that both smokers and non-smokers had a significantly higher chance of having a heart attack.

The combination of tobacco and all. It damages your artery walls, reduces the oxygen in your blood, and makes your heart work harder than before. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels, while carbon monoxide makes it harder for oxygen to travel. The result? Your heart eventually gets tired and starved for air.

Even vaping is not as dangerous as people think. It still contains chemicals that damage your heart.

What you can do:

• Quit smoking, even if it feels impossible now. Every effort helps.
• Talk to your doctor about nicotine patches or prescription drugs.
• Avoid people or places that require you to smoke.
• Replace the habit with something healthy, like chewing gum or taking a brisk walk.

When you stop smoking, your body starts to repair itself. Within a few weeks, your stream is booming. Within a year, your risk of heart disease is cut in half.

The findings of the study

Investigators from Northwestern University and Yonsei University have seized more than 9 million medical records from South Korea and 7,000 from the United States. They tracked people for up to 20 years, using American Heart Association guidelines to see how well people managed their heart health.

They found something eye-opening. Almost everyone who has had a heart attack has had at least one risk factor. And more than 93 percent had two or more. High blood pressure made the list as the most common.

Professor Philip Greenland, one of the authors of this study, summed it up well. He said the real goal should be to focus on things we can change, not chasing rare causes that don’t make a big difference.

Most heart attacks are preventable. The body gives warning signs long before this damage becomes serious, but we must be willing to see them.

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Listening to what your body is saying

Sometimes the numbers aren’t the only warning. The body can send other signals of a heart attack before things get worse. You may feel tightness in your chest, pain in your arm, or pressure in your neck or jaw. Some people feel nauseous, dizzy, or very tired for no reason.

If that happens, don’t end it. Call for help or go to the emergency room. It is better to find nothing than to ignore something serious.

What you can do right now

Even if you’ve had one or more accidents, it’s never too late to turn things around. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

Try these simple steps:

• Get a routine exam: Don’t wait until something makes sense.
• Eat smart: Choose real food, not processed.
• Stay active: Even daily walking helps lower blood pressure and blood pressure.
• Sleep well: Your heart needs rest. Aim for at least 7 hours a night.
• Manage pressure: Deep breathing, safety, or just getting outside can help.

These changes do not have to be complete or all at once. The key is to start somewhere and stick with it.

Bottom line

Heart attacks don’t happen anywhere. Almost all cases are linked to something measurable such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar or smoking. Recent studies prove that these warning signs of a heart attack can appear long before the big event.

By being aware and acting on these indicators early, you give yourself a fighting chance. Schedule a check-up, do that lifestyle, and keep listening to your body. It’s trying to help you.

Your heart has been beating every second since the day you were born. The least you can do is give it a little care in return.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard qualified medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of what you have read here.

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