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.

How they Work

THE BEST WAY TO NOT GET PREGNANT IS TO NOT HAVE SEX. PERIOD.

But if you decide you want to become sexually active, protect yourself- wisely.

The birth control pill is an effective form of contraception if taken properly (everyday around the same time of day).   Taking a medicine the same time everyday can be difficult.  Be honest with yourself about yourself!  If the pill is not for you, there are other options…

Birth control is essentially synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.  When estrogen levels peak, your body knows to release an egg and begin the process of ovulation.  The pill keeps these hormones level, thus prohibiting the release of an egg.  If there is no egg, then your body cannot get pregnant.  Birth control pills also make the lining of your uterus unable to support the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Pros

Despite the obvious benefit of preventing an unexpected pregnancy, many birth control pills cause other benefits such as clear skin, and lighter, less painful menstrual cycles.  They can also give women a chance to prepare themselves for a planned pregnancy by becoming healthy and quitting bad habits, such as smoking. 

Cons

Birth control pills can have some negative effects.  There is an increased risk for blood clots in women who smoke or have diabetes.  They can also have some irritating side effects such as bloating, water retention and nausea.  One of the most off-putting side effects reported is weight gain, though most doctors maintain that this is just a myth and that with diet and exercise, this is not an issue.

Some helpful tips

Despite the wide use of birth control, The Center for Disease and Control Prevention still claims that almost half of the pregnancies that occur in the U.S. are unexpected and another study claims that nearly a third of the women who begin birth control will stop within the year, usually do to financial or insurance issues.

Unfortunately, this is something that I deal with in my office every day, especially in young girls.  If you are under the age of 18 and are considering becoming sexually active (or already are), I suggest that you have a conversation with a health professional or a responsible adult to discuss your options.  Most doctors would be happy to discuss options with you over the phone if you are unable to come into the office.

For women over the age of 18 who are considering using birth control pills, I suggest trying a generic brand to cut the cost.  They are just as effective and sometimes less than half the price.  Finally, for parents of young women, it is important to begin this dialogue early.  If you suspect that your child may be sexually active, it is important to talk to them about protection and try not to seem judgmental.  It is more important for them to receive the protection they need for their decisions than to make a mistake that could have been prevented.

Here are some places in the New Orleans area where you can find advice and prescriptions for birth control pills:

Planned Parenthood

4018 Magazine St.

8200 Hampson St.

Family Planning Clinic

3308 Tulane Ave.

St. Vincent’s Maternity Clinic

1510 Veterans Blvd.