Heart attack and heart failure do not happen suddenly, but are the result of several factors that have been going on for years. The main reasons that lead to this are:
1. High blood pressure (High BP)
High BP is the biggest enemy of the heart. When blood pressure increases, the blood vessels stiffen and the heart has to work harder to pump blood. This weakens the heart muscle over time.
2. Uncontrolled cholesterol
When bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood increases, it accumulates in the arteries to the heart. This increases the risk of heart attack by obstructing blood flow.
3. Diabetes
High levels of sugar in the blood damage the blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart. Diabetics are three times more likely to develop heart disease than others.
4. Smoking and alcohol
Chemicals in tobacco narrow blood vessels and reduce oxygen levels. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption causes irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and swelling of the heart muscle.
5. Lack of physical activity
A sedentary lifestyle causes fat accumulation in the body and obesity. This puts an excessive workload on the heart. Even walking for 30 minutes a day can increase the life of the heart.
6. Mental stress and insomnia
Hormonal changes in the body when experiencing severe stress increase blood pressure. Not getting enough sleep negatively affects heart health as it does not provide the heart with the necessary rest.
3 super tips to protect the heart:
Healthy diet: Avoid fried and processed foods and include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Reduce salt: Reducing the amount of salt in the diet can help control blood pressure.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish, walnuts, and almonds are great for the heart
