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About Heart Attacks

The main cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease. This happens when cholesterol, also known as plaque, builds up on the walls of the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood. According to Dr. Linda Page, author of "Healthy Healing," over two-thirds of Americans suffer from some type of cardiovascular disease. She says that diet and lifestyle changes are needed all across America to stop this horrible trend.

  1. Identification

    • A heart attack is the result of blood being blocked from a section of the heart. When this happens, that section of the heart will lose oxygen and become damaged. A person can die rather quickly without emergency assistance.

    Effects

    • The effects of a heart attack can be very severe. People who suffer from a heart attack may have heart failure and require a complete heart transplant to continue living. Heart attacks also cause arrhythmias, also known as irregular heartbeats.

    Time Frame

    • It usually takes 30 to 40 years for plaque to develop inside the arteries; however, because of the standard American diet, more people are developing heart disease at an early age. Many Americans eat a poor diet, loaded with fat, sugar and processed foods.

    Warning

    • Call 911 if you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms: Tightness or discomfort in the chest area; uncomfortable pressure, a feeling as though someone is standing on your chest; mild or severe squeezing pain in your chest; or shortness of breath.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to heart attacks because once the damage has been done, it is difficult to reverse. Eat a healthy diet, low in fat and processed foods. Exercises for at least 30 minutes each day; go to the gym or a take a walk outdoors. See your doctor on a regular basis, and after age 40 see a heart doctor. If your arteries are partially blocked, the problem can be corrected before you have a devastating heart attack.
      If you have high blood pressure, keep it under control with medication prescribed by your doctor, or see a naturopath for alternative therapies.
      Dr. Linda Page, author of "Healthy Healing," also says that periodontal disease is a risk factor for heart disease. Gum disease allows toxic bacteria from excess plaque to enter into the bloodstream, resulting in platelets clumping up.

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