A heart attack, scientifically known as myocardial infarction (MI), remains one of the leading causes of death among individuals worldwide.

The major cause of a heart attack is the blockage of an artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle, which deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients. Different factors cause a heart attack, including age, genetics, blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol level, and stress, among others.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation worse, with many young people and female populations equally experiencing a significant increase in risk factors leading to a heart attack. The purpose of this article is to provide insights into the increased incidence of infarctions among the youth and female population during the crisis period.

The Impact of Crisis on Youth and Female Population Health

The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has negatively affected the physical and mental health of individuals worldwide.

Working from home, social distancing, and lockdown measures that restrict outdoor activities have become the norm, leading to significant changes in physical behavior patterns.

Sedentary behavior, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activities, and stress related to job losses or financial uncertainties have led to an increase in the prevalence of obesity, high cholesterol levels, and poor cardiovascular health, which are all risk factors for heart disease.

Furthermore, due to systemic gender inequalities, females have been more adversely affected by the crisis. They face more job losses and lack access to essential healthcare services.

Pregnant women, especially, have been affected by lockdowns, with many experiencing delays in prenatal care and poor delivery outcomes. Additionally, the increased stress from managing home responsibilities and work-life balance further exacerbates health issues and increases the risk of having a heart attack.

Signs and Risk Factors that Increase The Risk of Infarctions

Most people experience symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and fatigue. However, not everyone exhibits similar symptoms, and sometimes a person may experience little or no symptoms at all.

Other risk factors that increase the likelihood of a heart attack include:.

1. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, heightens the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.

High blood pressure puts stress on the arteries causing them to become stiff and enlargement, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the heart, which reduces oxygen supply to the heart muscles.

2. High Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is essential to the body, but high levels of “bad” cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), can lead to clogging of the arteries, making it difficult for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart.

This increases the risk of having a heart attack.

3. Diabetes

People with diabetes have three times higher chances of having a heart attack than those without diabetes. High levels of glucose in the blood gradually damage the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis, and, ultimately, heart attack or stroke.

4. Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of developing numerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Preventive Measures of Infarctions

Heart attacks can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking a series of preventive measures. Some of these measures include:.

1. Eating a Healthy Diet

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can improve cardiovascular health. Intake of sugary drinks, fatty food, and high salt content should be limited.

2. Exercise Regularly

Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for heart health. Activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and other moderate physical activities can help reduce the risk of heart attacks.

3. Manage Stress Levels

Stress is an inevitable aspect of life, but managing its effects on the body can prevent numerous health problems. Finding ways to relax, engaging in hobbies, and socializing can help manage stress.