The German Heart Foundation said that coronary artery disease is one of the main causes of heart attacks, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death, as 75-85% of people who died suddenly had coronary artery disease, and about a quarter of young people who died of sudden cardiac death also had it.
The Foundation explained that when suffering from coronary artery disease, blood flow to the heart muscle is weakened, and coronary artery disease is only noticed when the blood vessels have narrowed significantly, then symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness initially appear only during exertion, and then later increase even during light activities and at rest.
The German Foundation confirmed that the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases can be significantly reduced by following the following golden tips:
1- Measure blood pressure and treat high blood pressure when needed:
High blood pressure is the most common risk factor for heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, and it often goes undetected because it does not initially cause any symptoms.
2- Checking the level of low-density cholesterol (LDL) and treating high levels when needed:
High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol, promotes atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
3- Measure blood sugar and treat diabetes when necessary:
The long-term HbA1c value provides information about blood sugar levels over the past two or three months and can indicate diabetes or pre-diabetes, and a high HbA1c level increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4- Refrain from smoking:
Smoking harms the heart and blood vessels, including passive smoking. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to follow a healthy lifestyle. It is not permissible to replace traditional cigarettes with electronic cigarettes, because they are also harmful to health. Various programs and medications are available to support smoking cessation.
5- Avoid weight gain: !
Overweight and obesity are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This is especially true for fat deposits around internal organs and on the surface of the heart. They promote inflammation, causing diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
6- Doing sports:
Physical activity helps lower blood fats, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, strengthens the heart, promotes weight loss, and helps combat stress.
It is preferable to practice at least half an hour to an hour of endurance sports, such as fast walking, running, cycling, and swimming, at least 5 times a week. Muscle strengthening, movement, and moderate flexibility exercises are also important.
7- Healthy diet: !
A healthy diet reduces inflammation in the body, improves blood vessel function and insulin sensitivity, lowers blood pressure, and prevents obesity.
Cardiologists recommend following a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, rapeseed oil, fish, and dairy products, while reducing meat intake, as well as adding herbs and spices instead of salt. Sugary drinks should also be reduced as much as possible.
8- Get enough sleep:
Sleep is closely linked to heart health, and if you wake up tired and lethargic despite getting enough sleep, you should be checked for sleep apnea.
Regular checkups
The German Heart Foundation recommends regular health examinations in order to identify abnormal blood values and risk factors for cardiovascular disease early and treat them as quickly as possible.