Serious as a Heart Attack

SERIOUS AS A HEART ATTACK

The recent death of actor James Gandolfini thrust the perils of heart disease back into the spotlight. The 51-year-old actor, who was best known for his role as Tony Soprano on HBO’s hit show The Sopranos, died suddenly of a heart attack. Heart attacks are a leading killer of both men and women in the United States, with more than 1 million Americans suffering heart attacks each year.

Photo from hbo.com

What happens during a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when your heart does not get the constant supply of oxygen-rich blood it needs due to buildup of plaques in the arteries. The heart muscle becomes “starved” for oxygen, and the heart’s cells die.

Risk Factors for a Heart Attack

Heart attack risk factors include the following:

• Age: Men over 45 and women over 55
• Tobacco use
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Family history
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Stress

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Symptoms of a heart attack include the following:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Upper body discomfort including one or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw or the upper part of the stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness or dizziness

Preventing a Heart Attack

• Diagnosis: Visit your doctor regularly and keep current on tests and bloodwork so you know the state of your health.
• Medications: Your doctor may place you on medications to help manage your risk factors.
• Lifestyle changes: Some simple lifestyle changes may lower your risk for heart disease:
  • Quit smoking
  • Stay physically active
  • Follow a healthy diet, including drinking lots of Tyent Water
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce and manage stress

Back in February, we posted a Healthy Heart Infographic for American Heart Month. Please check it out and share this important information with your friends and family.  Take good care of your heart, and yourself!