Heart Attack - Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

A heart attack remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It occurs when a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, cutting off blood flow and oxygen to part of the heart muscle. This leads to tissue damage or necrosis.Heart attacks most often happen in the early morning hours when the body produces more catecholamines - natural chemicals like adrenaline and noradrenaline that heighten the body’s stress response.

Why are humans more at risk?

Most animals can naturally produce vitamin C from glucose - but humans have lost this ability. We must obtain vitamin C through our diet, yet many people don’t consume enough fruits and vegetables to meet daily needs.A lack of vitamin C can contribute to inflammation and damage to the walls of blood vessels. These inflamed areas can become sites where plaque and clots form, leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Recognising the symptoms

The most typical symptom is a sudden, intense chest pain lasting more than 20 minutes, often radiating to the left arm or jaw. It may be accompanied by sweating, paleness, shortness of breath, or a feeling of anxiety or impending doom.

In women, symptoms can be different and less obvious - including breathlessness, pressure or tightness in the chest, neck or back pain, nausea, fatigue, or an overall sense of discomfort and unease.

Treatment and emergency care

When a heart attack is confirmed, the priority is to restore blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible - most commonly by inserting a stent to open the blocked artery. The faster this is done, the greater the chance of minimizing heart muscle damage and preventing long-term complications.

Supporting heart recovery

After a heart attack, it’s important to help the heart regain strength and energy. Nutrients such as L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and taurine are often mentioned for their beneficial effects on heart function and rhythm stability.

Prevention and healthy habits

The best strategy is prevention. You can significantly reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D3 and vitamin C

• Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids

• Limiting refined sugars and processed foods

• Monitoring homocysteine and CRP levels

• Not fearing natural cholesterol - it plays an essential role in the body

Simple daily habits can also make a difference, such as walking barefoot on grass to improve circulation and oxygenation, or engaging in regular, moderate physical activity to keep your cardiovascular system strong.

In summary

A heart attack is a serious warning sign that your body needs care and lifestyle changes. Prevention, good nutrition, and early action when symptoms appear can not only save your life but also help avoid future heart events.

Source: Skutecznie wyleczyć. Choroby sercowo-naczyniowe - prof. Andrzej Frydrychowski, dr Michał Lange