Heart disease screening is useful for early detection of blockages and risk factors, which can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, and lives can be saved.
A heart attack occurs when plaque in a coronary artery ruptures, leading to the formation of a blood clot at the site of the rupture.
Sudden interruption of blood flow to the heart is the main cause of heart attacks. Without this supply, heart muscles can become damaged and begin to die. Without prompt treatment, heart muscles can become irreversibly damaged, which can lead to reduced pumping ability of the heart, abnormal and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and even death.
One of the plaques breaks or bursts before a heart attack, resulting in the formation of a blood clot at the site of the rupture. A heart attack occurs when a plaque in a coronary artery breaks, resulting in the formation of a blood clot at the site of the rupture. This clot can block blood flow to the heart, leading to a heart attack.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that can affect anyone, even seemingly healthy people. Dr Jyoti Kusnur, Interventional Cardiology Specialist at Manipal Hospital, Goa, explains the risk factors:
- Diabetes mellitus (one of the main causes in our country that contributes to premature deaths from heart attacks in the younger population)
- Lifestyle-related: Smoking (cigarettes have multiple toxins that damage blood vessels in the heart), excessive alcohol consumption, which can cause changes in heart rate and rhythm, as well as blood lipid levels that can trigger a heart attack.
- A high-fat diet, consumption of junk food with high salt content, ultra-processed foods.
- high blood cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- be overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle with lack of exercise
Lifestyle changes to prevent heart attacks can be effective in reducing heart-related morbidity and mortality in the community. People should be encouraged to stop smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Junk food should be avoided and healthy eating habits should be adopted.
Dr Kusnur adds: “Consumption of green leafy vegetables, colourful vegetables and lots of fruits, which are rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, helps reduce the incidence of heart attacks. Intake of whole grains and plant-based proteins should be encouraged. Excessive consumption of red meat, fried and salty foods, as well as processed foods should be avoided or at least minimised.”
Time spent on outdoor recreational activities should be increased, with brisk walking of 3-4 kilometres (more than 45 minutes) per day recommended. Screen time should be reduced, as addiction to phones, social media and the Internet causes disturbed sleep-wake cycles and a constant release of stress hormones that damage the body's blood vessels.
“Last but not least, it is important to have regular health check-ups, with sugar tests, lipid profiles and blood pressure monitoring. Heart disease screening is useful in detecting blockages and risk factors early, which can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, and can save lives,” concludes Dr Kusnur.
