As a cardiologist practicing at the Orange County Heart Institute and St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, my mission is to positively impact heart health and quality of life for people, not only in my community, but around the globe. Nothing is more satisfying than helping a patient with education, prevention and treatment of complex heart problems. When patients learn about the intricacies of the heart, it helps them better understand how they can prevent heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and blood clots.
Being informed of the pros and cons of procedures related to the heart, including coronary artery calcium scoring, angiogram, bypass heart surgery and pacemakers helps patients make more informed decisions. This article is aimed at educating patients about myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the heart. But, how and when does this happen?
A heart attack strikes someone about every 40 seconds.[1] It occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. This happens because the arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly narrow from a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries caused by fat and cholesterol. Plaque rupture leads to the formation of blood clots made up of platelets and red blood cells that block the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood.
Heart Attacks in Women vs. Men
As with men, the most common heart attack symptom for women is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. Women may instead experience shortness of breath, upper abdomen pain, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
Modifiable Risk Factors to Prevent Heart Disease
- Quit smoking. Avoid secondhand smoke too.
- Exercise. Walking 30 minutes a day can lower your risk for heart attack and stroke.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet including fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Limit saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Manage stress with exercise, deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
- Take medicines recommended by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor whether low-dose aspirin is right for you.
- Manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Maintaining the heart is a complex, yet essential process that involves nutrition, exercise and emotional wellbeing. All these contribute to nurturing of the heart and prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD).
A regimen of B vitamins, magnesium supplements, CoQ10 and omega-3 fatty acids, soy protein, soluble fiber and certain natural herbs can strengthen the heart while promoting weight loss and reducing the risk of an acute coronary event.
Nutrition is a smart path that is often neglected as a sound treatment for the heart, the center of harmony in the body. Please consult with your cardiologist before you seek out a quick weight loss solution that may compromise your most vital organ.
About the Author
Brian Kolski, M.D., FACC, director, Orange County Heart Institute (OCHI) noninvasive vascular lab, is board certified in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular diseases. He is the director of structural heart disease at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County and is also involved as team cardiologist for the Anaheim Ducks professional hockey organization.
References
1. Benjamin EJ, Blaha MJ, Chiuve SE, Cushman M, Das SR, Deo R, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2017 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Your Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol With TLC.
3. 14th annual State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America.