In today’s fast-paced world, life might seem busier than ever before. In the quest to achieve one’s goals, people tend to neglect their health.

The result is a steep increase in cardiac episodes worldwide, with the statistics showing that people are 49% more likely to experience a heart attack or other such issue than in the past.

What Causes Cardiac Episodes?

Cardiac episodes arise due to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. The arteries in the body carry blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients, to the heart.

Due to unhealthy habits and age, the walls of the arteries can get thicker, leading to plaque buildup. The arteries then become narrower, and the blood flow reduces.

This condition is known as coronary artery disease (CAD) and can lead to cardiac episodes. CAD affects millions of people worldwide and is the leading cause of death in developed countries.

CAD can also lead to other heart-related issues such as angina and heart failure.

Unhealthy Lifestyles

Cardiac episodes arise mainly due to unhealthy lifestyles. People today consume processed and unhealthy foods that contain high levels of cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium.

These foods contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to CAD, and other heart issues.

Moreover, people today are leading more sedentary lifestyles, spending hours at the office behind a desk or on the couch watching television.

They are not getting enough physical exercise, leading to a lack of proper circulation of blood throughout the body. This lack of exercise can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to CAD and cardiac episodes.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are also factors contributing to cardiac episodes. In today’s world, the lifestyle of people is full of stress and anxiety-related issues.

Meeting deadlines, job pressures, and family expectations all contribute to stress and anxiety.

The body reacts to stress and anxiety by releasing stress hormones that can cause the heart to beat faster and raise blood pressure.

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This chain of events can again lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries and can, in turn, lead to CAD and cardiac episodes.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and alcohol consumption are also major contributors to cardiac episodes. Smoking causes the narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to CAD and other heart-related issues.

People who smoke are four times more likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes than non-smokers.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, which can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other related issues. The effects of alcohol consumption are swift, and most alcohol-related cardiac episodes occur due to binge drinking.

Preventing Cardiac Episodes

Preventing cardiac episodes should be a priority for people. They should incorporate healthy eating habits, such as consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains in their diets.

They should limit the intake of cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium, which contribute to CAD.

People should also practice regular physical exercise, such as aerobics, strength training, and outdoor activities such as hiking. Regular exercise can improve blood circulation and lower the risk of CAD and other heart-related issues.

Stress and anxiety can also contribute to cardiac episodes. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can lower stress levels and reduce the risk of CAD and other heart-related issues.

Limiting smoking and alcohol consumption can also significantly reduce the risk of cardiac episodes.

Conclusion

Cardiac episodes are on the rise, and people are more likely to experience them than ever before. Unhealthy lifestyles, stress and anxiety, smoking, and alcohol consumption, all contribute to the increased risk of cardiac episodes.

People should prioritize their health and adopt healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, limiting stress levels, and quitting smoking and alcohol consumption.

This will go a long way in reducing the risk of cardiac episodes and promoting overall health and wellness.