Worldwide, approximately 60 million people will die this year, about half from some cardiovascular problem, mostly heart attacks (blockage in the coronary arteries to deprive part of your heart of blood). Interestingly enough, only about 30% of Americans succumb to heart attacks, strokes and similar ailments. Here is a guide to beating a heart attack (from the Wall Street Journal by Ron Winslow):
To recap:
1. 935,000 (in comparison, maybe 3 million will be injured in an auto accident, with 43,000 dying) Americans will be stricken by myocardial infarction (yes, same as heart attack) this year, with 133,000 perishing. Thus, be careful about traveling on the road, for the odds are 4:1 higher that you will be involved in an injury accident, but, three times more will actually die from the heart attack. So about your heart, if you're 65 and older, be comforted that only 10% expire during the first month after the episode:
Progress has been impressive, increasing from only 60% survival to 90% since 1970. Clearly, if you're younger, your alive rate is even better.
2. Since 1968 there has been a 75% decrease in the rate of heart disease.
3. Just 10 minutes of brisk exercise a day will reduce heart attacks by 50%, and 30 minutes cuts risk by 75%. Thus, EXERCISE!!!
According to Martha Grogan of the Mayo Clinic:
For people who sit most of the day, their risk of heart attack is about the same as smoking.
Simply, good nutrition, exercise, good nutrition and exercise will minimize cardiovascular disease!!! I've railed on what to eat and not over the past few years in this blog site, so let me leave that as reinforced. Also, quit smoking, for your heart risk is reduced by 50% within a year after doing so. I do take blood pressure reducing and cholesterol minimization pills, for these two body conditions are directly determining for most cardiovascular problems. Oh, and this is kind of serious, SMILE. The Cleveland Institute noticed (from old baseball cards) that those who showed no smile only lived to 73, a partial smile to 75 and full smile 80. Similarly, those who show hostility tend to more readily die from heart attacks. Finally, get as much sleep as you can.
In any case, a heart attack strikes you. Getting medical help as soon as possible is crucial. Here is what you do:
1. Recognize the symptoms. This is a huge problem, as, sure, pain and/or pressure in the chest, with the feeling radiating down your left arm or up to your jaw should be obvious. Unfortunately, particularly for females, 71% only suffered from flu-like symptoms with NO chest pain. Worse, symptoms include nausea, lighteheadedness, sweating and shortness of breath. Many only experience fatigue and therefore go to bed. You might not wake up. So what do you do? Search me. The medical profession merely tosses out these symptoms and expects you to be smart enough to use some judgement (or judgment...one of those words that can be spelled both ways). Sorry, haven't given any sensible advice, have I? Nevertheless, go to step 2.
2. Call emergency (911). This cannot be understated. Most of us just don't want to bother anyone even under the above conditions, which themselves might not be all that compelling. What makes all this worse is that some medical plans don't cover the ambulance, and many that do will renege on reimbursing you you if yours is a false alarm. However, don't take a chance. It is better to overreact than not. While all those above numbers for survival look good, ONLY 7.6% of people who suffer an attack and don't get to a hospital, live. So call 911, unlock your door (in case you pass out), remain calm and take slow deep breaths. Your life is worth a lot more than a few false alarm costs.
3. Chew, then swallow, an aspirin while waiting. Tylenol and Advil won't work! A nitroglycerin pill can instead be placed under your tongue.
Should you purchase for $1200 a defilbrillator? The medical profession generally says yes. One person living alone is insufficient, and the second person needs to know how to use it.
We all will someday die. However, you can prolong your life by re-reading this posting.
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