Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

The Hidden Sign You Should Look Out For To Prevent Heart Attacks, Cardiologist Reveals

Been feeling a certain tightness in your chest or out of breath when you walk up the stairs?

Dr Sharonne Hayes, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic US has revealed that low <span>exercise</span> tolerance or not being able to do physical activity for long or as intensely as in the past may be a sign of a future <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/heart-attack">heart attack</a></span> due to coronary <span>heart disease</span>. 

The expert told <a href="https://www.today.com/health/womens-health/heart-disease-warning-sign-exercise-tolerance-rcna231856" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">TODAY.com</a>, "I find as a physician, one of the most helpful questions when somebody comes in and says they’re breathless, I say, think back: Could you do that earlier this summer or last summer, and now you can’t?

"A substantial minority of patients will have some symptoms that, had they paid attention to them or sought an outpatient evaluation, they might have had a different outcome."

She explained that sudden tiredness, breathlessness and having to take a break while performing basic physical activities such as going on a walk may indicate narrowed arteries in the body which can suggest heart blockage. Over time, this can develop into <span>coronary artery disease</span> and pave the way for a heart attack. 

<h2>Coronary Artery Disease: The Silent Killer</h2>

Despite being as a common heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) develops over years and has no clear signs and symptoms apart from a heart attack. The illness begins due to a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances known as plaque in and on the artery walls. 

Over time, this can cause narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries and block the supply of oxygen-rich blood to heart which can lead chest pain (angina), shortness of breath and ultimately, heart attacks. 

Typically,  those above the age of 45,  having a biological family member with heart disease, lack of sleep, smoking, consuming saturated fats along with other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of developing CAD. 

Treatment options may include medicines and surgery. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking can help also prevent CAD and the conditions that can cause it.

Nearly one in 10 Indian adults suffer from CAD and about two million people die from the disease annually. Apart from this, about 18 to 20 million American adults aged 20 and older are also affected about the disease.

<h2>How Much You Should Exercise To Prevent CAD?</h2>The <span>American Health Association</span> recommends performing at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking, dancing and gardening or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as hiking, running, cycling or and playing tennis or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week to maintain heart health.

Moreover, regular exercise can also  reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer. It can also help improve sleep, cognition, including memory, attention and processing speed. 

Dr Hayes recommends opting for a cardiac evaluation such as an electrocardiogram, or EKG; stress test; a cardiac MRI or CT scan to generate images of your heart if you notice changes in your ability to exercise or cannot perform consistent levels of exercise. 

Health Conditions A-Z

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Heart Attack

coronary artery disease

american health association

heart disease

exercise

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Been feeling a certain tightness in your chest or out of breath when you walk up the stairs?Dr Sharonne Hayes, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic US has revealed that low exercise tolerance or not being able to do physical activity for long or as intensely as in the past may be a sign of a future heart attack due to coronary heart disease. The expert told TODAY.com, "I find as a physician, one of the most helpful questions when somebody comes in and says they’re breathless, I say, think back: Could you do that earlier this summer or last summer, and now you can’t?"A substantial minority of patients will have some symptoms that, had they paid attention to them or sought an outpatient evaluation, they might have had a different outcome."She explained that sudden tiredness, breathlessness and having to take a break while performing basic physical activities such as going on a walk may indicate narrowed arteries in the body which can suggest heart blockage. Over time, this can develop into coronary artery disease and pave the way for a heart attack. Coronary Artery Disease: The Silent KillerDespite being as a common heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) develops over years and has no clear signs and symptoms apart from a heart attack. The illness begins due to a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances known as plaque in and on the artery walls. Over time, this can cause narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries and block the supply of oxygen-rich blood to heart which can lead chest pain (angina), shortness of breath and ultimately, heart attacks. Typically,  those above the age of 45,  having a biological family member with heart disease, lack of sleep, smoking, consuming saturated fats along with other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of developing CAD. Treatment options may include medicines and surgery. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking can help also prevent CAD and the conditions that can cause it.Nearly one in 10 Indian adults suffer from CAD and about two million people die from the disease annually. Apart from this, about 18 to 20 million American adults aged 20 and older are also affected about the disease.How Much You Should Exercise To Prevent CAD?The American Health Association recommends performing at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking, dancing and gardening or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as hiking, running, cycling or and playing tennis or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week to maintain heart health.Moreover, regular exercise can also  reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer. It can also help improve sleep, cognition, including memory, attention and processing speed. Dr Hayes recommends opting for a cardiac evaluation such as an electrocardiogram, or EKG; stress test; a cardiac MRI or CT scan to generate images of your heart if you notice changes in your ability to exercise or cannot perform consistent levels of exercise. 