WHO ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF HEART ATTACK?

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE, heart attack, Myocardial Infarction / By / , ,

INTRODUCTION

 Coronary heart disease (CAD)  is nowadays a common medical problem.  Heart attack or myocardial infarction is one kind of manifestation of coronary heart disease.  Coronary heart disease occurs due to a gradual pile-up of cholesterol and other fats inside the walls of coronary arteries. Coronary arteries are the vessels that supply your heart.  These are called as blockages. Lumen of the coronary artery affected by coronary heart disease gets narrowed and causes decreased blood supply especially during exercise.

Coronary artery disease is on the rise due to an increase in our population’s risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, smoking, etc.

Risk factors for CAD

The risk of a heart attack depends on many factors and for an individual more than one risk factor is often present. Risk of heart attack is higher in

 

1.   Age (increases as patients get older)

2.   Sex ( men are at higher risk)

3.    High blood pressure

4.    Diabetes

5.   Smoking

6.   Overweight or  obesity

7.    Sedentary lifestyle

8.   Family history of a heart attack in the young

 

RISK FACTORS FOR HEART ATTACK



 

 If you have one or more among the above, you may be at a higher risk of future heart diseases. Such kinds of individuals need to consult a doctor early. they should also start lifestyle modification early.

HOW TO IDENTIFY PEOPLE AT HIGH RISK OF HEART DISEASE?

Risk factors of coronary artery disease or Heart attack are simple to identify. They do not need much investigations. Detailed history including family history and some basic work-up is all that is necessary. Few measurements required for identification of risk factors are

  1. Blood pressure measurement
  2. Blood sugar test
  3. Body-weight and BMI
  4. Lipid profile test
  5. History

These tests are inexpensive and easily available. Go and get these tests and identify your risk of heart attack now.

Where can I get above test?

You can consult nearby heart specialist available in a clinic or a hospital. Even GP can advice those tests.

Dr. Malleswara Rao is a heart specialist in Hyderabad who is an expert in diagnosis and treatment of heart attack.

 

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