Introduction
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and heart attacks are one of the most common forms of heart disease. While there are many factors that can contribute to a heart attack, research has shown that diet is one of the most important. Eating certain foods can increase your risk of having a heart attack, while avoiding others can help reduce your risk. In this article, we will discuss the #1 cause of heart attack according to science, and provide tips on what to eat and what to avoid in order to reduce your risk.
The #1 Cause of Heart Attack, Says Science — Eat This Not That
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and according to a new study, the number one cause of heart attack is a diet high in saturated fat. The study, published in the journal Circulation, found that people who ate a diet high in saturated fat were more likely to suffer a heart attack than those who ate a diet low in saturated fat.
The study looked at the diets of more than 4,000 people over a period of 10 years. Those who ate a diet high in saturated fat were found to be more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack than those who ate a diet low in saturated fat.
The study also found that people who ate a diet high in trans fats were more than three times as likely to suffer a heart attack than those who ate a diet low in trans fats.
The findings of the study suggest that people should focus on eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats, and high in healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is also important for maintaining a healthy heart.
By making small changes to your diet, you can reduce your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. Eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats, and high in healthy fats, can help you maintain a healthy heart and reduce your risk of heart attack.
Heart disease is the leading killer in the United States for men and women, and every 40 seconds someone has a heart attack, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although genetics do play a role, poor lifestyle choices drastically increase the chance of a heart attack. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Dr. Sam Kalioundji, Cardiologist and Medical Director of Stroke Center at Dignity Health Northridge Hospital and KAL HEART who explained causes of a heart attack and how to help prevent one. As always, please consult with your physician for medical advice. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Kalioundji says, “Heart attacks have become common secondary to the rise in severity and frequency of risk factors. Diabetes, obesity, hypertension/elevated blood pressure, poorly controlled cholesterol, poor eating habits, physical inactivity, increased stress have all contributed to a rise in the number of heart attacks affecting younger and patients. These risk factors have substantially increased in severity in conjunction with poor medical follow-up with recent COVID.”
Dr. Kalioundji lists the following risk factors”
- “Overweight/obesity
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Poor eating habits
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increase stress
- Decreased physical activity/inactivity
- Genetic predisposition/family history
- Heavy drug or alcohol use
- Tobacco abuse”
Dr. Kalioundji says, “Our Heartbeats an average of 60-80,000 times per day, increased body weight causes undue stress on the heart muscle that can affect the heart’s ability to properly pump blood to the vital organs.”
“Release of inflammatory processes that can cause rupture of plaque that can lead to complete obstruction or blockage of the artery that feeds the heart,” states Dr. Kalioundji.
Dr. Kalioundji shares, “Buildup of plaque in the arteries level leading to a gradual narrowing over time causing decreased blood flow and significant stenosis in the coronary arteries.”
Dr. Kalioundji explains, “Plaque buildup over time with calcification of the arteries leading to decreased lumen size and microvascular damage.”
Dr. Kalioundji says, “If symptoms of chest pressure/shortness of breath or atypical symptoms like back or shoulder pain/neck pain/dental pain with fatigue and severe weakness with dizziness occur, rapid evaluation at urgent care or emergency room is preferred as soon as possible. Delays in care during a heart attack can cause significant damage/death to the heart leading to heart failure and poor survival and outcomes.”
Dr. Kalioundji reminds us that, “Frequent management and checking for risk factors including follow-up with weight management, blood pressure checks and control, blood glucose/diabetes evaluation, healthy eating habits, physical activity of 30 to 40 minutes/day, reduction of stress, cholesterol level checks, awareness of family history and genetics will help reduce the risk and prevent heart attacks.”
Heather Newgen