The heart this valiant soldier, faithful to the post, beat after beating, is a champion of endurance. However, it is not unalterable. Myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as "heart attack," is one of the most deadly heart problems. The danger is everywhere, learn to recognize the most unlikely risk factors.
Heart disease decimates no less than 17 million lives annually, according to the WHO. Myocardial infarction occurs when there is an interruption in blood flow to the heart, either because the arteries are blocked by a clot or because they have shrunk due to cholesterol build-up.
What are the risk factors for the heart attack?
1 - Low temperatures involved
Each start of the winter season is accompanied by a peak of infarction. According to the research of two American physicians, heart health is strained in the winter. The impact of cold causes a narrowing of the arteries which increases the blood pressure and makes the heart more stressful. Another risk factor highlighted is the lack of exposure to the sun, which reduces the production of vitamin D, the protective effect of which has been demonstrated against heart disease. The bad habits that we adopt in winter, whose sedentary lifestyle and a relaxation on the diet penalize the good heart health. Similarly for the transmission of winter respiratory viruses, such as the cold or the flu that embolden the infarcts.
2 - Dental Health Vs Heart Health
Oral health and cardiovascular disease are not inseparable. This is what emerges from a Swedish scientific study. Poor dental health and a teeth free of teeth reveal an increased cardiac risk. According to the study, individuals with less than 21 teeth are 69% more likely to have a heart attack, while those with a periodontal pocket (a gum infection) %.
3 - Lack of sleep
In addition to promoting productivity, cellular regeneration and controlling our overall health, the importance of sleep is now advocated as a factor to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 8 hours of full sleep are the guarantee of good heart health.
4 - Meals
Your heart races after every meal? Be careful what you eat and the amounts ingested! A meal too rich, saturated fat, salt and sugar to trigger a heart attack. This is supported by researchers at the University of Leicester, who looked at the impact of too high a level of glucose in the blood on blood pressure and heart. Indeed, consuming too much sugar impacts the contraction of blood vessels, which is harmful to heart health.
5 - Air pollution
Avoid driving at your fingertips but also exposing yourself to poor air quality, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Inhalation of fine particulate matter in the exhaust gases affects the arteries and reduces the oxygen supply to the heart muscle, which can cause a heart attack.
6 - Emotional states make the heart sick
Strong emotional reactions have an impact on heart health. After a peak of anger, an anxiety attack, a depression, an emotional shock, the risk of an infarct increases.
7 - The junk food
Canned fruits and vegetables, ready meals, industrial pastry ... all these processed foods are bad for your heart! These preparations are too rich in salt and fat. Excess sodium can promote high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, the main risk factors for infarcts.
8 - Migraine and heart, dangerous connections
A recurrent migraine can be dangerous to the heart. According to a study by the National Institute of Health and Medical Research, migraine women more specifically those suffering from neurological symptoms, especially aura (visual disturbances) have higher risks of developing cardiovascular diseases .
9 - Deadly Morning
Heart attacks occur more often in the morning on waking and in the evening. This is what emerges from a study by the University of Friborg. Dysregulation of the internal clock and various physiological changes can lead to dysregulation of the heart rhythm and, ultimately, to sudden cardiac arrest.
10 - A little glass never killed anyone ... False
According to Harvard researchers, even low alcohol consumption, can double the risk of stroke and heart attack.
The harmful effects of excess alcohol on cardiovascular health, are no longer to be demonstrated, it causes high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders and infarctions.
11 - When the heart loosens in full effort
High-level athletes or Sunday riders are exposed to the same cardiac risk. Under intense athletic activity, the heart rushes and heartbeat accelerates. Cases of sudden death are intriguing, especially as they occur in young and healthy people.
12 - Asthma
The severity of the disease differs from one asthmatic subject to another. Patients with active asthma present an increased risk of heart attack by 70%.