Heart Attack Basics
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It all boils down to blood flow, when it comes to a heart attack.But do you know what interferes with that blood flow? Watch this to learn the basics.
Transcript: A heart attack occurs when blood flow to your heart is REDUCED OR INTERRUPTED. Sure, there's a lot more...
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to your heart is REDUCED OR INTERRUPTED. Sure, there's a lot more that goes into it than that, but it all boils down to blood flow.There are two things that can interfere with blood flow:First--disease in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This is known as CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE. And SECOND, a severe arterial spasm. Coronary artery disease is the MOST common cause of a heart attack. The coronary arteries bring blood and oxygen TO the heart, and if you have coronary disease, this means those arteries are narrowed by a waxy plaque buildup. Blood platelets can stick to this plaque, which is made up of cholesterol and other cells, causing clots to form-or chunks of the plaque itself can be become dislodged and form a FULL arterial blockage. But in other cases -- for instance, when you're stressed or in the midst of strenuous activity - REDUCED blood flow due to plaque buildup can also cause a heart attack. Risk factors for developing coronary artery disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, depression and chronic stress....and fortunately you can control MANY of these risk factors.Coronary artery SPASMS, although rare, CAN happen in people who have heart disease AND in people with healthy hearts. In those cases, the spasms may be triggered by tobacco use, exposure to cold, emotional stress or drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine.If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 RIGHT AWAY. This will allow for possible life-saving emergency treatments, such as drugs that'll break down the clot, or angioplasty, a procedure that opens narrowed arteries. In severe cases, heart bypass surgery may be performed. After a heart attack, your chance of having another one is higher, and your doctor will fill you in on lifestyle changes and possible medications.More »
Last Modified: 2013-06-12 | Tags »
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There is no doubt that heart disease and smoking are directly related to each other. Find out more about this connection by watching this video.
Transcript: With all the talk of how cigarette smoking causes lung cancer and other respiratory problems, it's easy...
With all the talk of how cigarette smoking causes lung cancer and other respiratory problems, it's easy to overlook the impact it can have on your heart and the rest of the cardiovascular system. In the United States, about 20 percent of deaths from heart disease are directly related to cigarette smoking.The heart is damaged by smoking because the chemicals in cigarette smoke encourage the buildup of plaque - a fatty substance-- along artery walls. Over time, the plaque thickens and hardens, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the heart. This sets the stage for angina, stroke and heart attack. The nicotine in cigarettes is another heart attacker. It increases blood pressure, heart rate and blood clotting, while it decreases levels of available oxygen. The result is damage to cells that line coronary arteries and other blood vessels. If you happen to be a smoker who also has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or are overweight, well, your chances of developing heart disease are even greater. The MORE you smoke, the greater your risk for developing heart disease, period. People who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day are more than twice as likely to have a heart attack as nonsmokers. But your risk of heart disease is cut IN HALF just ONE YEAR after quitting. For more information on preventing heart disease, watch the other videos in this series.More »
Last Modified: 2013-07-09 | Tags »
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Is it true about red wine & heart attack prevention? Many are curious to know. To find the answer, watch this video and increase your knowledge.
Transcript: "If only preventing a heart attack were as easy as sipping on a nice pinot noir. Well, it may be.According...
"If only preventing a heart attack were as easy as sipping on a nice pinot noir. Well, it may be.According to much enjoyed research, red wine -- in moderation -- is thought to prevent heart disease, which in turn, could prevent heart attacks. One study, conducted by researchers from the Israel Institute of Technology found that blood flow to the heart was improved when participants drank at least one glass of red wine a day for three weeks. This is because cell death, known as apoptosis, was reduced and antioxidants in the wine may help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart.Another study, done by researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany, found that resveratrol, a substance in red wine, may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease in moderate drinkers. Seems that resveratrol increases levels of ""good"" heart-protecting HDL cholesterol and protects against artery damage. Resveratrol is also thought to prevent blood clots, which are a main cause of heart attacks.To gain the benefits, the researchers recommend that men average about 10 ounces of wine a day and women, about 5 ounces. Remember though, neither the American Heart Association nor the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend that you START drinking alcohol to prevent a heart attack. Alcohol can be addictive, and contribute to a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, liver damage, obesity and various cancers If you'd rather not indulge in a glass of wine, you can opt for a glass of grape juice, since resveratrol is found in the grape's skin, or for adding peanuts, blueberries and cranberries into your diet, all of which contain resveratrol,If you are on medication or have chronic health issues, talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of drinking wine. For more information on how to keep your heart health in shape, check out other videos on this site." "More »
Last Modified: 2013-06-11 | Tags »
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