99% of Heart Attacks and Strokes Linked to Preventable Health Risks

99% of Heart Attacks and Strokes Linked to Preventable Health Risks

M Hasan    3:58 AM   

Key Takeaways

Heart attacks and strokes are often linked to risk factors that can be identified and managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Four primary risk factors—smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and high blood sugar—are associated with nearly every heart attack and stroke.

By managing these risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of experiencing a cardiac crisis. A recent study highlights that almost every case of heart disease, stroke, or heart failure is tied to at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Researchers analyzed health records from over 600,000 Korean adults and nearly 1,200 American adults who had experienced such events.

Before reaching a critical point, 99% of participants in both groups had developed at least one of the four common risk factors. This suggests that heart disease is not always sudden but often has warning signs.

Many People Unknowingly Had Multiple Risk Factors

Many individuals who believed they were healthy until experiencing heart failure, a heart attack, or a stroke were unaware of their risk. The study found that more than 9 out of 10 participants had two or more risk factors. Specifically, 93% of Koreans and 97% of Americans had multiple risk factors.

The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, were consistent across age groups and applicable to both men and women. Even among women under 60, over 95% of participants had at least one risk factor.

Don’t Ignore High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure was the most prevalent risk factor, affecting up to 96% of participants. In contrast, having a current or former smoking habit was less common, impacting about 68% of patients.

It’s important to note that the study wasn’t designed to determine whether these risk factors directly cause heart disease or stroke. Additionally, the results may not fully apply to people from different racial or ethnic backgrounds, as the study primarily involved Korean adults.

Despite this, the findings emphasize that prevention is possible for many. Yu Chen, PhD, MPH, an epidemiology professor at New York University, noted that nearly all cases of heart disease, stroke, or heart failure occurred in individuals who already had at least one risk factor. This indicates that these conditions rarely occur without prior warning.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack, Heart Failure, and Stroke

According to the American Heart Association, there are several straightforward steps to lower your risk:

• Get enough sleep: Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Strive for a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25. Free BMI calculators are available online.
• Manage cholesterol: A simple blood test can check your levels. Diet, exercise, and medication can help if needed.
• Control blood sugar: Hemoglobin A1C tests reflect average blood sugar levels over three months. Your doctor can provide personalized guidance.
• Lower high blood pressure: Keep your blood pressure within the recommended range. Lifestyle changes and medication can help achieve this.

Instead of waiting to treat risk factors after they develop, it's crucial to talk to your doctor proactively. This allows for discussions on ways to reduce the risk of developing heart disease in the first place.

Additional Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

In addition to managing specific risk factors, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking can further support heart health. These actions contribute to overall well-being and can significantly impact long-term health outcomes.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of early detection and proactive management of cardiovascular risk factors. By making informed lifestyle choices and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can take meaningful steps toward preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other serious conditions.

The Hidden Danger to Heart Health After 50, as Warned by Cardiologists

The Hidden Danger to Heart Health After 50, as Warned by Cardiologists

M Hasan    2:50 AM   

The Number One Worst Habit for Your Heart

As we age, the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States, increases. This can be a sobering thought, but the good news is that heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes are largely preventable. While many people have already adopted heart-healthy habits like eating blueberries or managing stress, there's another crucial step: eliminating harmful behaviors.

Cardiologists agree that one habit stands out as the worst for heart health. If you smoke or vape, you're engaging in the number one detrimental habit for your heart. Dr. Anjali Dutta, MD, a cardiovascular specialist with Morristown Medical Center, explains that tobacco use significantly impacts heart health. Similarly, Dr. Fahmi Farah, MD, a board-certified invasive cardiologist, emphasizes that quitting smoking should be the top priority for anyone looking to protect their heart.

Scientific research supports this claim. Smoking not only increases the risk of heart disease but also affects those exposed to second-hand smoke. Even if you don’t smoke, living with someone who does can elevate your risk of developing heart disease compared to someone in a smoke-free environment.

Recognizing the Signs of Heart Disease

Unfortunately, the early signs of heart disease can be subtle and vary depending on the type of condition. Some symptoms to watch for include:

• Heart palpitations
• Neck or shoulder pain
• Unexplained sweating
• New or unexplained heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fever
• Inability to exercise

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider promptly.

The Impact of a Sedentary Lifestyle

If you don't smoke, there's another major risk factor for heart disease: being sedentary. Dr. Sergiu Darabant, MD, a medical cardiologist at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, highlights that physical inactivity is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels—each of which increases the risk of heart disease.

Dr. Darabant suggests following the American Heart Association’s guidelines of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. Dr. Jennifer Chao, MD, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Great Neck Medical, adds that an active lifestyle not only benefits the heart but also improves bone strength, muscle development, and balance, helping to prevent falls.

Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, FACC, the chief medical officer at CardioSolution, stresses the importance of making immediate changes if you have unhealthy habits. “Healthy choices should start now. Waiting until next week, month, or year is too late,” he says.

Building a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Beyond avoiding smoking and staying active, there are other steps you can take to support your cardiovascular health. Dr. Chao recommends the Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil while limiting red meat. This approach can help reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

If you drink alcohol regularly, Dr. Dutta advises reconsidering this habit. Contrary to popular belief, even a glass of wine daily isn’t beneficial for heart health. Other key habits include minimizing stress and ensuring adequate sleep.

Dr. Serwer also emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups, including annual blood pressure screenings. “Knowing your individual risk factors and addressing them through lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and avoiding excess calories, alcohol, and smoking is essential,” he says.

Taking Action for a Healthier Future

Now is the time to make positive changes. Our daily habits play a critical role in our overall health. Remember, cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Your heart is in your hands, and taking proactive steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.