Actively Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes

Diseases of the cardiovascular system continue to be the number one cause of death in Germany. With targeted prevention the risk for Heart attack and Stroke significantly reduce.

One of the most important risk factors for suffering a heart attack or stroke is arteriosclerosis. As we get older, the calcification of our blood vessels progresses. Other individual factors increase the risk of a life-threatening disease: high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, overweight or a lipid metabolism disorder with elevated cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia), as well as smoking, Stress and lack of exercise.

“With these risk factors, the probability increases that the vessel walls will calcify and eventually a blood clot will form,” says the internist Dr. Reinhold Lunow. "If such a clot breaks off and travels with the bloodstream, it will eventually block a coronary artery or a cerebral artery."

If the coronary arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle are narrowed, the heart loses its performance. If they are completely blocked, Heart attack (Myocardial infarction) "The heart muscle can no longer function properly. There is a lack of oxygen, which immediately causes heart muscle tissue to die. A condition that poses an acute threat to life," says Dr. Lunow.

Even when Stroke (so-called apoplectic stroke, apoplexy) there is a narrowing or blockage in a brain vessel due to a Thrombosis or Embolism. The cause is often cardiac arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation), which cause a disruption of the blood flow in the area of ​​the left atrium of the heart. As with a heart attack, the area behind the blockage is also cut off from the oxygen supply in a stroke. Here, too, there is an acute risk to life.

In addition, stroke is one of the most important factors for long-term disability. As an expert in Diagnostics and prevention and medical director of the Praxisklinik Bornheim near Cologne and Bonn, Dr. Lunow advises early preventive measures: “With the right precautions, you can significantly reduce your personal risk of heart attack and stroke. The prerequisite for this is a thorough Check-upto identify personal risk factors."

How to protect your heart and brain from heart attack

- Don't smoke!
Smoking promotes arteriosclerosis and therefore damages the vessels throughout the body.

- Drink alcohol only in moderation!
A glass of wine or beer a day may be allowed and can have a positive effect. Regular alcohol consumption, especially in large quantities, is unhealthy. Avoid drinking alcohol at all on several days a week.

- Watch your weight!
Obesity increases blood pressure, leads to Diabetes and increased cholesterol levels. The risk of stroke and heart attack increases significantly.

- Eat healthy!
Cook fresh and use low-fat foods and healthy fats (eg olive oil, rapeseed oil). Avoid hardened trans fatty acids (especially in ready meals, "junk food"). Fish (eg salmon, trout) is recommended, as it is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. Many of the nutrients they contain, such as potassium, Folic acid (BXNUMX) and antioxidants protect against stroke and heart attack.

- Avoid salt!
By consuming less salt you can prevent Hypertension .

- Drink a lot!
Mainly water and fruit juice spritzers. Avoid sugary lemonades and fruit juices.

- Avoid stress!
chronic Stress puts a strain on the entire organism and makes you ill. To avoid cardiovascular diseases, you should ensure you have regular relaxation phases and get enough sleep.

- Take advantage of preventive medical care offers!
Start early with regular Check-up examinationsYour personal risk factors are identified and you can take countermeasures in good time.

With movement and Sports against heart attacks and strokes

In addition to healthy Nutrition and preventive examinations, regular exercise protects against heart attacks and strokes and strengthens circulation, metabolism and organs. Only occasional exercise is not enough. There are a few rules you should follow when training:

- Start slowly!

Choose a physical activity that you enjoy. Increase the duration gradually. For example, start by walking at a brisk pace for five to ten minutes without a break and then extend your walk by five minutes at a time until it becomes too strenuous.

- Plan regular training!

Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day. Even better: exercise for up to 60 minutes a day. Combine different types of exercise: stretching exercises, endurance training and strength training. Always warm up at the beginning. Gradually ease off the exertion towards the end.

- Include more exercise in your daily routine!

Even if you don't have time for exercise, everyday life offers you many opportunities to train your body: If you work in the garden, climb stairs, walk or cycle, you get your circulation going and burn off excess calories.

“To prevent heart attacks and strokes, it is important to exercise regularly healthy exercise “If you haven’t exercised for a long time, are older than 45 or suffer from a chronic Disease should have a health check-up make velvet Stress ECG and a cardiac ultrasound examination (Echocardiography). "