Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Heart Disease. Let’s dive in!
I've been living alone for over 10 years now, and one thought keeps bothering me:
What if something dangerous happens to me, and there's no one nearby to call for help or take me to the hospital?
As the number of single-person households grows, I’m sure many others share the same concern.
Recently, Don Hasselbeck, a Super Bowl champion, passed away due to a heart attack.
Heart Disease Can Strike Anyone — Prevention Is Key
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One of the scariest health threats these days is heart disease. Even people who appear healthy can suddenly lose their lives. Once the golden time passes, it’s often too late, and unless someone nearby performs CPR in time, the chances of survival are very slim.
It’s a terrifying condition — especially for someone like me who lives alone — because it often strikes without any clear warning signs and can happen to anyone.
That’s why I’ve decided to learn more about heart health and make an effort to eat heart-friendly foods regularly. Even healthy individuals can be caught off guard by heart disease.
Experts say that not only people in their 40s and older but also those in their 20s and 30s should pay attention to heart health.
Among various heart conditions, sudden cardiac arrest — which can lead to death without warning — is often caused by coronary artery disease due to atherosclerosis, accounting for about 80–90% of cases.
Annually, this affects about 1–2 out of every 1,000 people (0.1–0.2%).
Heart Disease Might Not Be Obvious, But It Does Show Signs
Even though symptoms may not be obvious, there are definitely early signs of heart problems.
Several months before a heart event, you may start to feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue.
If you feel sudden tightness or pain in your chest, notice your heart beating unusually fast, or struggle to breathe even with light exercise or a short walk, it could be a warning sign.
This can happen at night, too. If you don’t usually suffer from sleep apnea but find yourself waking up frequently with heart palpitations, it’s worth considering a possible heart condition.
Also, if you have high or low blood pressure, experience frequent chest pain or palpitations, have ever fainted during daily life, have high cholesterol levels, or notice you’re out of breath or sweating heavily when lying down or sleeping, it’s time to get a heart checkup.
The same goes for people who smoke or drink heavily or have a family history of heart disease.
What to Do If You Feel Chest Pain
There are four main types of tests used to evaluate heart health:
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Heart MRI – This uses magnetic resonance imaging to assess heart function. It measures the size and function of the left and right ventricles and checks for valve regurgitation.
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Heart CT – A computed tomography scan that helps detect coronary artery narrowing or structural issues in the heart.
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Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound) – Useful for observing the heart’s structure and performance.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – This is the most basic and commonly performed test. It’s primarily used to diagnose arrhythmias and coronary artery diseases like angina and myocardial infarction.
If you suspect a heart issue, it’s best to visit a hospital and consult with a medical professional to determine which of these tests is most appropriate for your condition.
Exercise is, of course, one of the best ways to prevent heart disease.
Cutting back on alcohol and tobacco, and maintaining a regular routine, are just as important.
Avoid foods that are high in sodium or greasy, as they’re harmful to cardiovascular health.
Instead, try to eat more heart-friendly foods like strawberries, yogurt, vegetables, and red beets — all easy to include in your daily meals.
Unsweetened coffee and green tea are also known to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
If a family member or friend suddenly collapses from a heart attack, they must be taken to the hospital as quickly as possible.
After calling for emergency help, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) right away.
It’s a good idea to learn basic first aid and CPR skills so you’re prepared for emergencies.
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
