Consequences
As already mentioned, the first few hours after the onset of a heart attack are the most decisive for the patient’s prognosis. Consequently, the consequences of an infarction can be very far-reaching to largely minor, depending on the start of therapy. The good news is that the acute mortality rate has almost halved since the 1980s and is comparatively low today.
Frequent permanent consequences of a heart attack are cardiac arrhythmia and, above all, cardiac insufficiency, which varies in severity depending on the size of the infarcted area. The latter manifests itself in a reduced ability to cope with stress. In addition, there is an increased tendency to develop blood clots. A heart attack in women in particular increases the risk of cognitive problems in the course of cardiological diseases, especially at an advanced age. Attention disorders, word finding disorders and disorientation are often observed.
Prevention
Basically, prevention of heart attacks is not complicated and corresponds to the general principles of a healthy lifestyle. Thus the most important risk factors can be counteracted well. These include high blood lipids and overweight, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and stress.
Most of these problems can be easily counteracted. The magic words here are exercise and healthy eating. Exercise fulfils several functions at once.
On the one hand, it reduces excess fat reserves and normalizes blood fat and blood sugar levels. On the other hand, endurance sports in particular have a positive effect on high blood pressure and train the heart muscles. A balanced, low-fat diet, at least in part, supports this additionally.
Much vegetable and fruit, as well as vegetable fats such as olive oil, which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, instead of animal fats are the best means for a heart-healthy nutrition.Going for a walk or other endurance sports several times a week for an hour, in combination with a good diet, is far superior to any drug and completely free of side effects. A more effective and cheaper method of preventing (renewed) heart attacks does not exist.