Infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious medical condition that happens when there is a sudden blockage in the blood flow to a particular part of the heart. This lack of blood supply leads to the death of heart cells.

Unfortunately, heart attack is one of the leading causes of death globally. Various factors can increase the risk of heart attack. While some of these factors are well-known, there are some unforeseen ones that can also increase the risk of infarction.

In this article, we will discuss some of these unexpected factors that can increase the risk of infarction.

Stress

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a significant problem for most people. Prolonged stress can cause extreme strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke.

When a person is continuously under stress, their body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and sugar levels. These changes can lead to the formation of blood clots and increased inflammation in the arteries, which puts the person at higher risk of having a heart attack.

Sleep Apnea

People with sleep apnea experience frequent pauses in their breathing while they sleep. These pauses cause the heart to pump harder, increasing blood pressure and leading to an irregular heartbeat.

Over time, these changes can increase the risk of heart diseases, including heart attack and stroke. Additionally, sleep apnea can also make it more challenging for people to manage existing heart conditions if they already have one.

Air Pollution

Research has shown that air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack. Air pollution contains small particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, which can cause inflammation and damage to the arteries.

Over time, this inflammation can lead to the deposition of artery-clogging material, which increases the risk of heart diseases.

Loneliness

Recent studies have shown that loneliness can have a detrimental effect on physical and emotional health. People who feel lonely and socially isolated are at higher risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other heart diseases.

The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but it seems that when people feel lonely, their bodies produce more stress hormones, which can increase the risk of inflammation, high blood pressure, and artery damage.

Gum disease

Gum infections have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, where they can cause inflammation and damage to the arteries.

Over time, this can increase the risk of blockages in the blood vessels that supply the heart, leading to a heart attack.

Women who experience pregnancy-related complications, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, are at higher risk of developing heart diseases later in life.

The exact reasons for this are not clear, but it seems that the stress of pregnancy and the changes in hormone levels can lead to long-term damage to the blood vessels.

Depression

Depression is a severe form of mental illness that can lead to physical changes in the body, including increased inflammation and high blood pressure.

People who suffer from depression are at higher risk of heart diseases, including heart attack and stroke. Additionally, people with depression are less likely to follow a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthy, exercising and taking their medications, which can also increase the risk of heart attacks and other heart diseases.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to the organs and tissues.

This lack of oxygen can put a strain on the heart, leading to an increased risk of heart diseases, including heart attack and stroke.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to numerous health problems, one of which is an increased risk of heart diseases, including heart attack and stroke.

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and weakened heart muscles. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, which can also contribute to heart diseases.

Cocaine Use

Cocaine use can have an immediate and long-term impact on the heart. Cocaine use can cause an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and increased blood pressure.

Long-term use can lead to heart muscle damage and an increased risk of heart diseases, including heart attack and stroke. Cocaine use can also lead to blood vessel damage, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.

Conclusion

These are some of the unexpected factors that can increase the risk of heart attack.

While some of these factors such as stress and excessive alcohol consumption are avoidable, others such as anemia and pregnancy-related complications may not be avoidable. It’s important to be aware of these factors and take steps to reduce the risk of infarction. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, can significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases.