What Are the Symptoms of Heart Attack?
The blockage of the blood and oxygen to the heart is typically caused by the buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances that form plaques within the artery walls. Over time, these plaques can become unstable and rupture, forming a blood clot.When a blood clot completely blocks the artery, it prevents blood flow to a section of the heart muscle. The affected heart muscle tissue dies without an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Tips for Preventing Heart Attacks
Taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of heart disease can help reduce the likelihood of developing plaques and experiencing a heart attack.- Eating a healthy diet: Develop a diet plan consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, plant-based protein, lean animal proteins, and fish.
- Being physically active: Physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain good health, prevent diseases, and promote longevity. Avoid prolonged sitting and aim for a more active lifestyle.
- Watching your weight: If overweight or obese, it’s important to work on weight reduction through calorie control and increased physical activity, aiming for a healthy weight.
- Living tobacco-free: If you don’t smoke, avoid starting, and if you do smoke, quitting is strongly advised.
Heart-Healthy Foods
Here is a list of cardioprotective foods:- Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens), broccoli, carrots, legumes (lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, lima beans)
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, pears, grapes, plums, avocados;
- Whole grains: Rolled oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread, corn tortillas
- Protein-rich foods: Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, trout), lean meats (pork tenderloin, skinless chicken or turkey), eggs, nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts), soybeans and soy foods
Maintaining Positive Emotions to Reduce Heart Attacks
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the theory of the Five Elements correlates the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) with the five organs (liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney), the five colors (green, red, yellow, white, black), and the five tastes (sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, salty). According to TCM theory, the liver should be cared for in spring; the heart in summer; the lungs in autumn; and the kidneys in winter.During the summer, consuming bitter melon, winter melon, pumpkin, tomatoes, luffa, cucumbers, spinach, onions, garlic, and Chinese yam is beneficial. These foods help relieve thirst, diminish heat, and support detoxification, which can help prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Liu believes that forgiveness, kindness, and going with the flow, as emphasized by ancient wisdom, can help individuals understand others, practice forgiveness, and free themselves from negative thoughts and emotions. This approach can prevent harm to internal organs and reduce the impact on the immune system.