Essential Tips for Preventing Life-Threatening Heart Attacks

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a coronary artery that supplies blood and oxygen to the heart becomes blocked. Heart attacks are a leading cause of death but are not inevitable. Here are some strategies to help you protect your heart and prevent heart disease by following a heart-healthy lifestyle.

What Are the Symptoms of Heart Attack?

The blockage of the blood and oxygen to the heart is typically caused by the buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances that form plaques within the artery walls. Over time, these plaques can become unstable and rupture, forming a blood clot.

When a blood clot completely blocks the artery, it prevents blood flow to a section of the heart muscle. The affected heart muscle tissue dies without an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as the arms, jaw, or back. If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services.

Tips for Preventing Heart Attacks

Taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of heart disease can help reduce the likelihood of developing plaques and experiencing a heart attack.

In 2019, the American Heart Association provided some recommendations for preventing heart disease and strokes, including:

• Eating a healthy diet: Develop a diet plan consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, plant-based protein, lean animal proteins, and fish.
• Being physically active: Physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain good health, prevent diseases, and promote longevity. Avoid prolonged sitting and aim for a more active lifestyle.
• Watching your weight: If overweight or obese, it’s important to work on weight reduction through calorie control and increased physical activity, aiming for a healthy weight.
• Living tobacco-free: If you don’t smoke, avoid starting, and if you do smoke, quitting is strongly advised.

Heart-Healthy Foods

Here is a list of cardioprotective foods:

• Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens), broccoli, carrots, legumes (lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, lima beans)
• Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, pears, grapes, plums, avocados;
• Whole grains: Rolled oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread, corn tortillas
• Protein-rich foods: Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, trout), lean meats (pork tenderloin, skinless chicken or turkey), eggs, nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts), soybeans and soy foods

Additionally, it is important to control alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure.

Maintaining Positive Emotions to Reduce Heart Attacks

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the theory of the Five Elements correlates the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) with the five organs (liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney), the five colors (green, red, yellow, white, black), and the five tastes (sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, salty). According to TCM theory, the liver should be cared for in spring; the heart in summer; the lungs in autumn; and the kidneys in winter.

Dr. Liu Chun, a medical doctor from the University of Tokyo, explained to The Epoch Times that the heart corresponds to the element of fire and the color red in the Five Elements theory. During the summer, when the heart is predominant, the abundance of yang energy, high temperatures, and humidity can easily lead to irritability, restlessness, and poor sleep quality, increasing stress on the heart. Therefore, taking care of the heart during the summer is crucial. This involves paying attention to diet and maintaining a positive mood.

During the summer, consuming bitter melon, winter melon, pumpkin, tomatoes, luffa, cucumbers, spinach, onions, garlic, and Chinese yam is beneficial. These foods help relieve thirst, diminish heat, and support detoxification, which can help prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Taking care of the heart also involves maintaining a good mood and avoiding sadness,” said Liu. “People often say that extreme sadness can cause heartache and lead to a broken heart, which is not an exaggeration. Excessive grief can rapidly weaken the body’s immune system. TCM states that negative emotions can directly harm the organs, disrupting the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood, and can be considered a significant cause of illness. Overwork and staying up late can also damage the heart. Avoiding late nights, taking regular naps, and finding inner calmness by relaxing and clearing the mind are all essential.”

Liu believes that forgiveness, kindness, and going with the flow, as emphasized by ancient wisdom, can help individuals understand others, practice forgiveness, and free themselves from negative thoughts and emotions. This approach can prevent harm to internal organs and reduce the impact on the immune system.

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