PrintGarry Messick
eDiets Contributor
Should you worry about possibly being headed for a heart attack?
It depends on a number of heart attack signs. Let’s take a look at what those factors are, what they mean and what you should do if they to apply to you.
Heredity — Studies indicate that some people have a genetic predisposition toward the build-up of plaque and fatty deposits in the arteries. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can also be inherited, as well as illnesses such as gout and diabetes, all of which also increase the chances of heart disease. African Americans in particular have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.
Try to learn about your family’s medical history if you’re not already familiar with it, including not just your parents and grandparents but also siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. Obviously, heredity is not a factor you have control over, but be sure to share the information with your doctor — it could be important in helping him assess your level of heart disease risk.
CRP levels — The body produces C-reactive protein (CRP) when there is inflammation or swelling present. Because inflammation of the arteries is associated with heart disease, a CRP test can be helpful in ascertaining the possibility of a heart attack. Studies show that CRP may be at least as good an indicator of heart risk as cholesterol.
In fact, a Harvard study showed CRP tests to be more accurate, and those with the highest CRP levels were found to be four times as likely to have died from coronary disease compared to others with lower levels. But unless you’re already at high risk for heart disease, the American Heart Association does not recommend regular CRP testing.
Smoking – If you smoke, you have more than twice the chance of having a heart attack as nonsmokers. Smoking is also directly linked to other serious, life-threatening illnesses such as emphysema and cancer; if you value your life at all, you need to quit.
High Blood Pressure — High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the prime warning of potential heart disease. Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood pumped from the heart against the walls of your arteries. If your blood pressure is too high (a reading above 140/90 is considered high and between 120/80 and 140/90 is considered early high), it can harden and thicken the arteries, which in turn speeds the build-up of cholesterol and fats. This is one of the possible heart attack signs since it will eventually lead to potentially deadly blockages. Luckily, hypertension can be controlled, sometimes just by exercise and diet change or the use of medication.
High cholesterol — The higher your total level of cholesterol, the greater your chances of developing heart disease. There are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL, known as “good” cholesterol because it seems to help remove deposits from artery walls, and LDL, which is known as “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to clogging arteries. Doctors usually recommend a total cholesterol level for healthy adults of under 200 mg/dl, with HDL above 60 mg/dl and LDL at under 100 mg/dl.
You can improve your cholesterol levels by modifying your diet to lower your intake of saturated fats, cholesterol and trans fats. This usually comes down by eating less red meat and processed foods and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Regular aerobic exercise will also help. Sometimes diet and exercise aren’t enough, so your doctor may then prescribe medication.
Each of the above heart attack signs on their own has a bearing on your chances of developing heart disease and eventually having a heart attack. The more you have in combination, the more your level of risk goes up. But no matter how high your risk, take heart (so to speak) and consult your doctor. There are always ways to significantly improve your coronary health.
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