A heart attack or myocardial infarction is a severe medical condition that occurs when the heart muscle experiences an inadequate blood supply.

The blood supply to the heart muscle is restricted or blocked by fatty plaque buildup or a clot in the coronary arteries. This lack of blood flow can result in damage to the heart muscle or even its tissue death, leading to heart failure and death.

Heart attacks occur abruptly, and most individuals are unaware that they have heart disease until they experience a heart attack.

If you have experienced a heart attack, it is essential to assess your risk factors that can cause heart failure and death and develop a plan to reduce them.

The following are some of the significant risk factors that can increase your chances of a heart attack:.

Age and Gender

As one grows older, the risk of heart diseases increases. Men are more susceptible to heart attacks at a younger age, while women have a greater risk after menopause.

Women usually have a natural protection against heart disease due to the estrogen hormone. However, the risk begins to increase after menopause. Apart from these natural factors, lifestyle habits and environmental circumstances can also have an impact.

Family History and Genetics

If you have a family history of coronary artery disease (CAD), then your risk for heart disease also increases. Genetics also plays a part in heart disease, with some genetic mutations causing higher levels of cholesterol or blood pressure.

Past research shows that individuals with a family history of CAD can have a 50 percent higher risk than those without any family history. Therefore it is essential to get regularly checked if there is a family history of heart disease.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition that may precede heart attacks. Blood pressure measures the pressure within your arteries as blood flows through them.

High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood, which can weaken and enlarge it over time. If high blood pressure left untreated, it can cause fatal damage to your heart muscles and blood vessels. You can control high blood pressure by taking medication, exercising, and making healthy lifestyle changes like cutting back salt and alcohol.

High Cholesterol Levels

Your blood should naturally contain two different types of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

LDL is the “bad” cholesterol because it forms a fatty substance plaque buildup that narrows the arteries, leading to heart disease. HDL is the “good” cholesterol since it removes the LDL plaque from the arteries and sends back to the liver to excrete naturally.

To control high cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy diet that reduces saturated fats and cholesterol and takes medication prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes is a significant risk factor in heart disease and heart attacks since it damages the arteries’ lining and increases the development of plaque build-up.

According to the CDC, smoking is one of the primary modifiable factors associated with heart attacks. Quit smoking or avoid exposure to any dangerous tobacco products to lower the risk of heart disease.

Obesity and Physical Inactivity

Body fat levels and leading a physical inactive lifestyle increase your risk for heart disease. Obesity is a vital risk factor, specifically abdominal obesity, or having a lot of excess fat around your mid-section.

However, physical exercise, such as brisk walking, running, or dancing, helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of heart disease. Exercises help to reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and stress, protecting the heart muscle.

Diabetes

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels and lead to a buildup of plaque, which can result in a heart attack.

Therefore, it is essential to have regular check-ups and manage diabetes by taking medication prescribed by a healthcare provider, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, and exercising.

Stress and Anxiety

Mental health can have an impact on heart disease, with some studies showing a connection between high levels of stress, anxiety, and heart disease.

Higher levels of stress and anxiety trigger the “fight or flight” response and lead to increased heart rate, narrowed blood vessels, and increased blood pressure. You can manage stress and anxiety by engaging in physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or mediation.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Excessive drinking can raise blood pressure, cause heart muscle damage, and lead to irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outline high-risk drinking to be consuming more than 8 drinks per week for women and 15 drinks per week for men. Alcohol intake can be reduced to mitigate the risks associated with heart disease.

Conclusion

Heart disease and heart attacks are a significant concern. However, making healthy lifestyle choices can lower the risk of heart attacks and reduce the chances of heart failure and death.

Making lifestyle adjustments may be difficult at first, but doing little things like taking a walk, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can improve heart health.