On World Heart Day 2024 Cardiologist at Pune informs on heart attack signs and prevention
Pune, 28th September 2024: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood flow to a portion of the heart is suddenly blocked, causing damage or death to the heart muscle. This blockage is usually due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. The heart muscle, deprived of oxygen, becomes damaged, and this can be life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.
This was explained by Dr Prasad Shah, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Poona Hospital, Pune.
He said that heart attack common symptoms are Chest pain or discomfort, Difficulty breathing (even when resting), Nausea, sweating, or light-headedness.
The prevention of AMI begins with a heart-healthy lifestyle, says Dr Shah. The intake of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats helps, but limiting added salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats is also essential. Regular exercise during leisure-time activities again, such as walking or cycling, helps to ensure normal weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.
The doctor says that smoking should be stopped since it is the new risk factor, and the prevalence of heart disease has become prevalent. Stress should be handled well since chronic stress may cause hypertension, leading to heart disease. Persons with a history of heart disease at home or any predisposing condition such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus are advised to have regular check-ups with a medical doctor for early diagnosis and management.
