Heart attacks are the #1 killer of both men and women. It occurs when there is a blockage in the heart, generally caused from a buildup of plaque lining the coronary artery. The blood cannot flow through the heart while there is a blockage. That means that oxygen is not getting to the heart and the heart muscle becomes damaged and then begins to die.

Causes of Heart Attacks

There are multiple causes of heart attacks.

Coronary Artery Disease is the number one cause. It is the buildup of plaque along the inner wall of the coronary artery. The plaque consists of fat and cholesterol as well as other items found in your blood.  Once the plaque builds up enough to block the blood flow, a heart attack occurs.

Another cause is a severe spasm of the coronary artery. This can occur from drug usage, emotional stress or pain and smoking cigarettes. The spasm closes up the artery and induces a heart attack.

Symptoms/Signs of a Heart Attack

Heart attacks can either come suddenly or build up slowly in a person. That is why it is important to get help immediately. Every second that a heart attack is occurring more and more of the heart muscle is being destroyed.

Chest Pain or discomfort

Shortness of breath

Pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach

Fainting

Nausea/vomiting

Cold sweats

Lightheadedness

When experiencing these symptoms, you or someone else needs to call 9-1-1 immediately to get medical attention as fast as possible.

Tips for a Healthy Heart

The best way to start preventing a heart attack is to begin eating a low fat diet. You need to increase your fruit and vegetable intake and reduce your salt intake. This eating pattern will help reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol level. It will also help you lose weight, which also benefits your heart.

Quitting smoking is also a great idea. It will not only help your heart, but your lungs as well.

Finally, take time to work out. Exercise strengthens all of your muscles, including your heart.

In what ways are you working on your heart health? Have you or someone you know survived a heart attack? If so, tell us about your/their recovery and lifestyle changes.

It’s summer time and with it comes warm, beautiful weather.  We all will be spending some more time outside in the next few months, so I think it’s important to be educated on exactly your body is experiencing when exposed to the sun.

As we all know, there are some risks to prolonged sun exposure, the most common being sunburn.  However, exposure to the sun is very important.  In small amounts, it can provide as much vitamin D as 100 glasses of milk.  Vitamin D is important for bone health.

Sun light is made of UVA and UVB rays.  It’s the UVB rays that are more harmful to the skin.  It’s important to know that, even if it is cloudy or overcast outside, your skin is still being exposed to UVB.  Sun exposure can be harsher at places near the equator and at high altitudes.  Most people rack up 50-80% of their lifetime sun exposure before they are 18, so it’s very important to keep en eye on children

                                            SUNBURNS                                         
 Regardless of your race or ethnic background, YOU can get a sunburn!  The more burns you experience the higher your risk for skin cancer.  Sun burns can begin about 30 minutes after being in the sun.  Redness and irritation will begin about 2-4 hours after exposure and the peak of your symptoms occur between 12 and 16 hours.

Sun burns can generally go untreated, but seek medical attention if you begin to experience blisters, nausea and fainting.  These could be signs of more serious conditions

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion usually occurs when someone is playing or exercising outdoors and is more severe than a sunburn.  It typically occurs when someone depletes their internal “water supply” and their body is unable to produce sweat and cool itself down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fainting.  If you experience the lesser of these symptoms, you may not have to seek medical help.  Just be sure to drink plenty of water and move into the shade.  If you begin to experience fainting, then proceed to the nearest hospital.

HEAT STROKE

Heat stroke is more severe than heat exhaustion.  It is actually a form of hyperthermia where your body is at an abnormal temperature and can be fatal if not treated immediately.  Causes of heat stroke include dehydration and symptoms sometimes mimic a heart attack.  They include difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, hallucinations, confusion and seizure.

Most susceptible to heat stroke are infants, seniors, outdoor workers and athletes.  To treat, immediately call 911, take the victim to a shaded area and give them plenty of water.

PREVENTION

Of course, it is unrealistic to deny yourself any exposure to the sun, nor is it health.  To prevent any of these ailments, be sure to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks from the sun and avoid caffeine, alcohol and tea.

Any questions?  Feel free to comment and post about your experiences with sun exposure and your tips for staying hydrated this summer.