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.

I just got my first question and it’s a good one!

Jennifer asked:

“What are some ways that I can shed  a couple of pounds before
beach season?”

Losing weight becomes a priority for many people this
time of year.  Here are a few quick, but life-changing
tips in order to drop those excess pounds. 

1. Make the commitment.  Before you get your body
involved in any weight loss program, you have to get
your mind in the game!  By setting and achieving
small, short term goals, one can celebrate each
accomplishment.  This also makes a large, long term
goal seem more manageable!
2. DON’T “DIET”!  As soon as the word “diet” is
mentioned, people feel they have been placed on
punishment! Especially avoid the fad diets which are
usually successful for only short periods of time.  It
is best to develop new habits which encourage weight
loss and/or healthy weight maintainance.
3.Eat small, frequent meals.  By eating small portions
more frequently, the metabolism speeds up.  Your body
says “I know I’ll have more food in a couple of hours,
so I better burn these calories as soon as possible!”
4.Drink water.  Water should always serve as your
number one drink choice. As you become more active and
your metabolism increases,  it is vitally important to
maintain a healthy fluid balance.
5.Avoid soft drinks.  These empty calories often
quickly contribute to unnecessary weight gain.
6.Limit your salt intake.  Salt encourages water
retention and can even worsen some chronic medical
conditions!
7.Take the time to add more movement to your life!
You can start as small as taking the stairs more often
or choosing a longer route to your car.  Regardless,
you must DO something!  You’ll be surprised how
quickly you’ll see the results!
8.Make your new habits a family affair.  It’s a lot
easier to succeed at your new, healthier way of life
when everyone in the household is on board.  Not only
is the support awesome, everybody benefits!
9. If possible enlist the help of a personal trainer.
Many people find they are more likely to keep their
gym appointment when they are scheduled to meet a
trainer.  A trainer can also be a guide if you are not
familiar with the gym equipment.
10.Last but not least, involve your primary care
physician!  Regardless of your age, you should have an
evaluation by your doctor before you begin any weight
loss routine!