5 Effective Ways to Prevent ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Attacks

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STEMI, a type of heart attack that affects the lower chambers of the heart, alters the pattern of the heart's electrical activity detected through specific diagnostic tests. More serious and dangerous than other types of heart attacks, STEMI carries the risk of serious complications that can be fatal. To prevent STEMI heart attacks, there are several steps that can be taken. Here is an overview of them.

Symptoms of a STEMI heart attack may vary in each individual but typically include pain around the shoulder blades, arms, chest, jaw, left arm, or upper abdomen. Other symptoms include chest discomfort (angina), sweating, shortness of breath, discomfort in the neck or arms, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat.

To prevent a STEMI heart attack, the following steps can help minimize the risk:

1. Quit Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains harmful substances like nicotine and carbon monoxide that can damage blood vessels, increase the risk of blood clots, and trigger artery narrowing that hampers blood flow to the heart. Nicotine also increases blood pressure and heart rate, overburdening the heart's workload.

2. Choose Good Nutrition

Adopting a healthy eating pattern by consuming nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry, fish, nuts, vegetable oils, and seeds, while limiting saturated fats, trans fats, red meat, processed foods, added sugars, sugary beverages, and sodium can help prevent a STEMI heart attack.

Incorporating regular physical examinations and healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and adopting a healthy eating pattern can help reduce the risk of a STEMI heart attack and improve overall heart health.

3. Manage High Blood Pressure

When blood pressure rises, it puts extra pressure on the heart and can damage blood vessels. If high blood pressure is left uncontrolled, it can lead to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, potentially causing a heart attack.

4. Engage in Physical Activity

Striving to stay physically active every day by engaging in exercise, at least 150 minutes per week, can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and maintain a healthy weight. Physical activity can also increase heart rate and improve blood circulation, which is important for maintaining heart health. Thus, the heart's work becomes more efficient, and the risk of a heart attack can be minimized.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity or overweight can increase the risk of a STEMI heart attack. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight can be achieved and sustained through nutritious eating patterns, controlling calorie intake, and participating in physical activities.

These are some effective steps that can be taken to prevent STEMI heart attacks.

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