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HEART ATTACK

Most fish contains at least some omega-3 fatty acids, a form of fat, which has for some time been thought to help prevent heart disease. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring and eel contain the highest amounts, while smaller amounts are found in tuna, trout and sea bass and other fish species. Among the many studies of omega-3's are those that show that life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances can be prevented in animals given this fat intravenously. Other studies have shown that eating 4 grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids can lower the triglycerides (a fat normally found in the blood which in large amounts can contribute to hardening of the arteries) by as much as 35%. This corresponds to about one 6-oz. serving of salmon, or one 4 oz. serving of mackerel per day. A recent focus of studies of the cause and prevention of heart attacks has been on the health and function of the lining cells of blood vessels, called endothelial cells. Disease or dysfunction of these cells is increasingly being shown to be an important factor in the cause of heart attacks. Fish oil (in this case taking fish oil capsules) was recently demonstrated to improve endothelial function, and thus at least theoretically prevent heart attacks.

Regular aerobic exercise can lower blood pressure, help control weight, and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol. It may keep the blood vessels more flexible. Moderate intensity aerobic exercise lasting about 30 minutes four or more times per week is recommended for maximum heart health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine. Three 10-minute exercise periods are also beneficial. Aerobic exercise--activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling--uses the large muscle groups and forces the body to use oxygen more efficiently. It can also include everyday activities such as active gardening, climbing stairs, or brisk housework.

Maintaining a desirable body weight is also important. About one quarter of all Americans are overweight, and nearly one-tenth are obese, according to the Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health. People who are 20% or more over their ideal body weight have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease. Losing weight can help reduce total and LDL cholesterol, reduce triglycerides, and boost relative levels of HDL cholesterol. It may also reduce blood pressure.

Smoking has many adverse effects on the heart. It increases the heart rate, constricts major arteries, and can create irregular heartbeats. It also raises blood pressure, contributes to the development of plaque, increases the formation of blood clots, and causes blood platelets to cluster and impede blood flow. Heart damage caused by smoking can be repaired by quitting--even heavy smokers can return to heart health. Several studies have shown that ex-smokers face the same risk of heart disease as non-smokers within 5 to 10 years of quitting.

Drinking should be done in moderation. Modest consumption of alcohol can actually protect against coronary artery disease. This is believed to be because alcohol raises HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association defines moderate consumption as one ounce of alcohol per day--roughly one cocktail, one 8-ounce glass of wine, or two 12-ounce glasses of beer. In some people, however, moderate drinking can increase risk factors for heart disease, such as raising blood pressure. Excessive drinking is always bad for the heart. It usually raises blood pressure, and can poison the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms or even heart failure. Illegal drugs, like cocaine, can seriously harm the heart and should never be used.

High blood pressure, one of the most common and serious risk factors for coronary artery disease, can be completely controlled through lifestyle changes and medication. People with moderate hypertension may be able to control it through lifestyle changes such as reducing sodium and fat, exercising regularly, managing stress, quitting smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation. If these changes do not work, and for people with severe hypertension, there are eight types of drugs that provide effective treatment. Stress management means controlling mental and physical reactions to life's irritations and challenges. Techniques for controlling stress include: taking life more slowly, spending time with family and friends, thinking positively, getting enough sleep, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Daily aspirin therapy has been proven to help prevent blood clots associated with atherosclerosis. It can also prevent heart attacks from recurring, prevent heart attacks from being fatal, and lower the risk of strokes.

Key Terms

Angina
Chest pain that happens when diseased blood vessels restrict the flow of blood to the heart. Angina is often the first symptom of coronary artery disease.

Atherosclerosis
A process in which the walls of the coronary arteries thicken due to the accumulation of plaque in the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is the cause of coronary artery disease.

Coronary arteries
The two arteries that provide blood to the heart. The coronary arteries surround the heart like a crown, coming out of the aorta, arching down over the top of the heart, and dividing into two branches. These are the arteries where coronary artery disease occurs.

Plaque
A deposit of fatty and other substances that accumulate in the lining of the artery wall.

Author: Lori De Milto is a freelancer who writes medical marketing communications to earn her living and travel tales to satisfy her soul. She lives in Sicklerville, NJ.
©Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine


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