Heart Attack: Expert Names the Four Most Common Causes

Heart Attack: Expert Names the Four Most Common Causes

In the U.S. hundreds of thousands of heart attacks occur annually, many of which could be prevented through lifestyle changes. An expert outlines the four leading causes.

Coronary artery disease, caused by the narrowing of arteries due to the buildup of fats and calcium, is a common precursor to heart attacks. These blockages restrict blood flow to the heart, leading to heart attacks that can result in permanent damage or even death.

The Four Main Threats to Heart Health

According to the German Heart Foundation, over six million people in Germany suffer from coronary heart disease, compared to around 20 million in the U.S. This condition develops gradually and is often driven by unhealthy lifestyle habits. Four factors can significantly damage the heart:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking

Dr. Stephan Eddicks, a chief cardiologist at the Median Rehabilitation Center in Germany, calls these factors "silent killers" because they can go unnoticed for years, quietly causing damage. He stresses that these risk factors don't just add up, they amplify each other's effects. "It doesn't take much for your risk of a heart attack to skyrocket," warns Eddicks.

How to Protect Your Heart

While coronary heart disease is serious, it is often preventable through lifestyle changes. Here are essential steps to reduce your risk of a heart attack:

  • Exercise Regularly: Engaging in cardiovascular activities like cycling, running, or swimming at least three times per week for 45 minutes can significantly strengthen your heart and improve circulation.

  • Follow a Balanced Diet: A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, salads, legumes, whole grains, and fish, with minimal consumption of red meat and processed foods, can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in arteries.

  • Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates arterial damage and greatly increases the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your heart.

  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart-related issues. Regularly practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises, along with physical activity, can help manage stress and promote heart health.

Taking these proactive steps not only helps protect against coronary heart disease but also enhances overall well-being, reducing the risk of other chronic conditions.