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World Heart Day: how to protect yourself from heart attacks
(Philstar.com) – September 29, 2020 – 4:28 pm
MANILA, Philippines – Heart attacks, known as the “silent killer,” are the result of the accumulation of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the arteries of the heart, which block blood flow and therefore cut off the supply of oxygen and nutrients to Most people who have a heart attack have some type of coronary heart disease.
To this day, heart disease remains a serious threat to millions of Filipinos. The Philippine Statistics Authority found that coronary heart and artery disease is the leading cause of death in all regions of the Philippines, including northern Luzon. In 2011, the Department of Health recorded a total of 14,658 deaths in the region. In a study they conducted in 2009, the number of lives claimed by cardiovascular disease in the Philippines has doubled from 85,000 to 170,000 after 20 years.
Being informed about heart attacks has never been more important; You never know when a heart attack will hit you or someone close to you. As shared by Dr. Domicias Albacite, Head of the Cardiovascular Center at The Medical City Clark, here are some things to know about heart attacks:
Genetics versus lifestyle
Which of these two is the true cause of heart attacks? According to Dr. Albacite, heart attacks are caused in part by genetics, but most of the time, they are heavily influenced by a person’s lifestyle. People who smoke, eat inactive, and unhealthy are more likely to have a heart attack.
However, he noted that genetics play a role in heart attacks. Those that occur in people under 50 are likely caused by genetics, while those that occur later are likely caused by lifestyle.
There is no first aid for heart attacks.
With heart attacks, time is of the utmost importance. Almost 30% of people who have a heart attack for the first time do not make it to the hospital. That is why Dr. Albacite strongly discourages first aid, as it can complicate the condition of the person when the consultation for professional help is delayed. The moment a person has a heart attack, immediately call a hospital to get an ambulance.
If you are alone, quickly call the hospital or seek help from neighbors. Make sure you always have the phone number of the nearest competent hospital, such as The Medical City Clark, on hand. For the residents of Central Luzon, The Medical City Clark is one of the most accessible hospitals with world-class facilities and expert doctors who can expertly handle an emergency situation.
Minor heart attacks are a big problem
Not all heart attacks are life-threatening, but this does not mean that minors do not require care. Sometimes a person does not even know that they have had a heart attack. Once you feel your symptoms, which include chest pain, cold sweats, and shortness of breath, heart attacks can be triggered by physical or emotional stress. Ignoring these symptoms can result in worse and fatal conditions.
Regular check-ups are recommended as you age
A semi-annual checkup is a good prevention for heart attacks. This is especially true if you are at risk: if you smoke, lead an inactive lifestyle, eat a poor diet, and have other unhealthy lifestyle choices. It is also good to know your family history, since those who have a history of premature heart attacks could also suffer the same fate. If your family has a history of heart attacks, be sure to monitor your body closely for signs and symptoms of heart attacks, regardless of age.
Being aware of these misconceptions can help save a life, maybe even yours. Don’t wait for a heart attack to happen before you act; maintaining blood pressure, adopting a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, and avoiding vices such as smoking and drinking alcohol all help reduce the risk of heart attack.
Be sure to check in immediately if you experience any symptoms.
RELATED: Are you too young to have a heart problem?
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