Heart attack cases have increased by 50% in the last 5 years; it is important to understand these 4 reasons for prevention.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Do you know how rapidly heart attack cases have risen in India over the past few years? Statistics show that between 2014 and 2019, heart attack cases in the country increased by a whopping 50%. This statistic is not only shocking but also a serious warning to all of us.

Today, heart disease has become one of the leading causes of death in India. The reasons for this are not just our changing lifestyles, the hustle and bustle of cities, poor diets, and lack of physical activity. Problems like diabetes and obesity further exacerbate this risk, making it a major health challenge.

Why does heart attack occur?

Simply put, a heart attack occurs when there's a blockage in the coronary artery (the artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle). This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot.

When oxygen is cut off from that part of the heart, the cells there begin to die. If not treated promptly, this can cause permanent damage to the heart or even be fatal.

"I'm feeling fine" - that's the biggest mistake

People often think that if they don't feel any discomfort, they're perfectly healthy, but the reality is different. Dr. Sudhir Kumar of Apollo Hospitals (trained at CMC Vellore) explains that 99% of heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure cases are caused by risk factors that were already present in the body but went undetected. The early stages of heart disease progress silently, and people often become aware of it when it's too late.

4 biggest 'silent' causes of heart attack

These four factors silently harm your body and increase the risk of heart attack:

• High blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure damages your arteries over time, increasing the risk of blockages.
• High cholesterol: Excess of bad cholesterol in the body causes fat to accumulate in the arteries, narrowing the blood flow.
• Uncontrolled blood sugar (diabetes): High levels of glucose in the blood weaken and damage blood vessels.
• Smoking: Tobacco consumption directly damages the heart and nerves, which is a major cause of heart attack .

Don't ignore these body signals

Before or during a heart attack, the body gives off certain signals, recognizing which can be life-saving:

• Persistent chest pain or heaviness
• pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden excessive sweating, dizziness, or fainting
• Extreme fatigue or anxiety without any reason
• Many times people mistake it for 'gas', because it can also have symptoms like nausea, vomiting or heartburn.

How to make your heart stronger?

The good news is that the risk of heart attack can be significantly reduced with lifestyle changes and timely medical advice:

• Change your diet: Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
• Stay active: Exercise regularly. This improves blood circulation and helps keep your weight and sugar levels under control.
• Quit bad habits: Stay away from smoking and tobacco completely.
• Reduce stress: Excessive stress causes high blood pressure, so focus on stress management.
• Regular checkups: Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar checked regularly so that any problem can be detected in time.

Remember, only awareness and a little caution can save you and your family from this serious disease.

Read More: Heart attack cases have increased by 50% in the last 5 years; it is important to understand these 4 reasons for prevention.