Heart attack happens when a blockage in a person’s coronary artery causes part of their heart muscle to be starved of blood and oxygen. It requires urgent medical attention to minimise the damage done to the heart muscle. Heart attacks occur when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly interrupted, and one of the leading causes of this is coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is a condition in which the coronary arteries (the major blood vessels that supply blood to the heart) get clogged up with deposits of cholesterol. This can happen if a person eats the wrong kinds of food. What are the three worst foods to eat that could increase a person’s risk?
To keep the heart and cardiovascular system healthy for many years, certain foods should be avoided or at least reduced as much as possible.
The three worst are:
Fast food burgers
Doctor Regina Druz, associated professor of cardiology at Hofstra University said: “Saturated fats from animals, especially when combined with carbohydrates, appear to have a deleterious effect on heart health.
“Try to avoid fast food restaurants as they tend to use lower quality ingredients and unhealthy cooking methods.”
Processed and cured meats
Cold cuts and cured meats like bacon and sausage, can be high in saturated fat. But even low-fat options tend to be very high in salt.
Just six thin slices of deli meat can contain half the daily recommended level of sodium, according to the American Heart Association.
Deep fried foods
Numerous studies have linked the consumption of fried foods, like French fries, fried chicken and fried snacks, to an increased risk of heart disease.
Conventional frying methods create trans fats and this type of fat raises the bad type of cholesterol and lowers the good kind.
Doctor Druz added: “If you’r making a veggie stir-fry at home and you’re preparing it with olive oil and coconut oil, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that.
“But what most people understand as type al fried food, the kinds you don’t prepare at home, should certainly be avoided.”
Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, pain in other parts of the body, sweating, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing or feeling sick.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack it’s important to seek urgent medical care.
The NHS added: “A heart attack is a medical emergency.
“Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance if you suspect a heart attack.
“A lack of blood to the heart may seriously damage the heart muscle and can be life threatening.”