What is a heart attack?
If the blood flow to your heart is blocked, you will experience a serious medical event known as myocardial infarction — a heart attack. Blockages typically happen when plaque builds up over time and causes your arteries to narrow. Because the blockage deprives your heart of oxygen and nutrients, a heart attack can seriously damage your heart or it can kill you.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
A heart attack has several telltale symptoms. They include:
- Excessive pressure or squeezing in your chest
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Prolonged or sudden extreme fatigue
- Chest pain
- Pain that travels down your arm or up your neck
Some men and women describe an intense feeling of heartburn or indigestion as their primary symptom. Dr. Kahn has treated thousands of sudden and severe heart attacks during his distinguished career.
What are the risk factors for a heart attack?
Blocked arteries cause a heart attack but several risk factors lead to the blockage, including:
- Excess weight
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Lipoprotein(a)
As you get older, you’re at greater risk of having a heart attack. Men over 45 and women over 55 are more likely to have a heart attack than younger adults.
How can I minimize my risk of having a heart attack?
In his short and powerful downloadable pamphlet, “Heart Attack Prevention Guide,” Dr. Kahn outlines seven steps you can take to help you avoid heart disease:
- Don’t smoke
- Exercise 30 or more minutes every day
- Sleep at least seven hours each night
- Maintain a normal weight
- Eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day
- Live with a sense of gratitude
- Enjoy a small amount of red wine if it doesn’t cause you problems
For more of his expert advice, you can access an array of Dr. Kahn’s insights at his blog, on his podcast, or in his weekly newsletter.
Reduce your heart attack risk. Start with the Ultimate Heart Check Up with Dr. Kahn by calling the office today.
