Introduction
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and it’s important to understand the risk factors associated with it. Eating the wrong foods can be a major contributor to heart disease, and it’s important to know what to eat and what to avoid. In this article, we’ll discuss the #1 reason why most people get heart attacks: eating the wrong foods. We’ll look at what foods to avoid and what foods to eat instead to help reduce your risk of heart disease. We’ll also discuss the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle to help keep your heart healthy.
This is the #1 Reason Why Most People Get Heart Attacks — Eat This Not That
Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. While there are many factors that can contribute to a heart attack, one of the most important is diet. Eating unhealthy foods can increase your risk of having a heart attack, while eating healthy foods can help reduce your risk.
The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of a heart attack is to eat a healthy diet. Eating a diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can help reduce your risk of having a heart attack. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help reduce your risk. Additionally, limiting your intake of processed and fast foods can help reduce your risk.
In addition to eating a healthy diet, it is important to limit your intake of unhealthy foods. Eating foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can increase your risk of having a heart attack. Foods such as red meat, processed meats, fried foods, and full-fat dairy products should be avoided. Additionally, it is important to limit your intake of sugary drinks and foods, as these can also increase your risk.
By eating a healthy diet and limiting your intake of unhealthy foods, you can reduce your risk of having a heart attack. Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of having a heart attack. Additionally, limiting your intake of unhealthy foods can help reduce your risk. Eating this way can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack and 1 in 5 people have a heart attack and don’t even realize they’ve had one because their symptoms are mild, but can still often leave damage to the heart, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart attacks are far too common, but the World Health Organization states, “80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Healthy diet, regular physical activity, and not using tobacco products are the keys to prevention. Checking and controlling risk factors for heart disease and stroke such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar or diabetes is also very important.” Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Eric Stahl, MD Non-Invasive Cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital who explains why so many people have heart attacks and how to help prevent one. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Stahl says, “A heart attack occurs when the blood flow in a coronary artery is disrupted, preventing oxygen from being delivered to the heart muscle. The most common cause of heart attacks is due to atherosclerosis or fatty plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. As the plaque builds, the arteries narrow and harden. When plaque disrupts, a blood clot will form within the artery and block blood flow. About 805,000 people have heart attacks in the USA each year.”
“When people have a heart attack, they typically feel left sided chest pain, discomfort or pressure,” says Dr. Stahl. “However, everyone is different and symptoms can vary. Other associated symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, jaw pain or left arm pain.”
Dr. Stahl explains, “Every year, approximately 805,000 people have a heart attack in the USA. Heart attacks and coronary artery disease are common because of the high prevalence of risk factors. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet all contribute to atherosclerosis and the development of coronary artery disease and heart attacks.”
According to Dr. Stahl, “Preventing coronary artery disease and heart attacks relies on reducing modifiable risk factors. Age, gender, and genetics are risk factors that cannot be changed. On the other hand, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can be improved, treated, or controlled. Addressing these risk factors should begin early in life.”
“Smoking remains the most preventable cause of death in the USA,” Dr. Stahl reminds us. “Cigarette smoke is made up of numerous chemical compounds that promote accelerated atherosclerosis and blood clots. Even smoking fewer than 5 cigarettes per day leads to early atherosclerosis. The risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Quitting smoking has an immediate impact on reducing cardiovascular disease risk.”
Dr. Stahl tells us, “As high cholesterol develops, fatty deposits build in the arteries of the heart leading to heart attacks. Genetics, diet, physical activity, and obesity are some of the major risk factors for high cholesterol. As plaque builds, the arteries narrow and can cause symptoms even if the arteries are not completely blocked.”
“Diabetes increases the risk of coronary artery disease by two- to four-fold,” Dr. Stahl shares. “It does so by causing elevated cholesterol, obesity and a general inflammatory state, which all promote accelerated atherosclerosis and fatty plaque buildup. Approximately 68% of those with diabetes over the age of 65 die of some form of heart disease.”
Dr. Stahl says, “High blood pressure increases the pressure on the heart. Over time, uncontrolled hypertension causes the heart muscle to thicken and promotes atherosclerosis within the coronary arteries. Although the thicker muscle requires more blood to be delivered, the progressively narrower arteries deliver less and less. This process eventually leads to symptoms and a possible heart attack.”
Heather Newgen