Its a beautiful Monday morning and we at Air-Clinic welcome you to a new week. Today's health discussion centres on the heart and stroke. While men and women alike suffer from heart disease, heart attack and stroke, the men take more hits due to the protective effect of estrogen on the woman. We will be focusing on men's health, however the material is beneficial for women also.
This is because heart disease is one of the leading cause of death in both men and women. How can you keep your heart healthy? How can you avoid stroke? What is heart disease and how does it relate to stroke? What are the warning signs? These and many more will be covered in this article.
WHAT IS HEART DISEASE AND STROKE?
As we breathe, the heart pumps blood to all parts of the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients round the body. If the blood vessel which carries blood to the heart becomes blocked, blood flow will not be possible. If this happens all of a sudden, heart attack results. But if it happens gradually, pain in the chest and difficulty breathing results. That may damage the heart muscle and subsequently lead to heart disease.
Stroke also happens exactly like heart attack but the difference is that it happens in the brain.Blood vessels carrying blood to the brain if blocked by a clot or fat , or if the blood vessel of the brain bursts, stroke can result.
What are the major causes of heart attack and stroke? Why does fat sometimes build up in the blood vessel, blocking flow to the brain and to the heart?
CAUSES OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE Smoking~Fat/cholesterol in the blood
~Not staying physically active High blood pressure
~Unhealthy diet
~Over weight.
WHO ARE AT RISK?
Men that are above 45 years of age and women above 55 years old. However, it could be hereditary.
WARNING SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK
1.Pain in the right side of the chest
2.Difficulty breathing or painful breathing
3.Stomach ache
4.Dizziness
STROKE SIGNS
1.Numbness of face, arm or leg
2.Trouble speaking or understanding others when they speak
3.Blurred vision
4.Dizziness, loss of balance
5.Severe headache.
PREVENTION OF HEART ATTACKS AND HOW IT RELATES TO STROKES
Change your life style.
Quit smoking. Exercise regularly. Not being active does not help your heart, rather exercise strengthens it. Drink moderately, for your heart sake, even if you are up to it financially, curtail how you drink. Relax well, meditate and reduce stress. Increase your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat only healthy sources of proteins such as nuts, avocados, fish, soy beans, etc and drink large amount of clean water.
Stroke also can be prevented through the above means. Summarily;
~Watch your weight
~Reduce salt
~Eat Healthy diets
~Reduce alcohol
~Quit smoking
~Monitor your cholesterol level and blood pressure all the time
~Stay active physically
TREATMENT OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
If you see someone with stroke signs, get a doctor. Remember stroke can progress, so even if not severe yet, get a doctor right away.
Also if you are having the above mentioned signs of heart disease, visit a Doctor who will diagnose and find out what type of heart disease you may have. Maintain a healthy life style and eat only a well balanced diet.
Hey! chat a Doctor at air clinic today and any time, they will be ready to respond promptly and leave you better than how you came.
Thanks for reading.
Further reading
[1](www.health finder.gov), 2 and
WHO Library cataloging-in-publication Data
Avoid heart attacks and strokes: don't be a victim- protect yourself
ISBN 92 4 154672 7 (NLM classification: WG 300)
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