Protecting Your Heart Health: What Young Men Should Know About Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
By Dr. David Samadi
When you’re a young man and feeling your best, it’s almost unimaginable to consider having a heart attack or cardiac arrest at that age. Yet, one of the most serious health risks men of all age face, are having a heart attack or cardiac arrest. These medical events are not only life-altering but can be fatal. While many think of heart issues as a concern only for older men, these conditions are also increasingly affecting young men.
The good news is being knowledgeable and becoming proactive at a young age in taking care of your heart health, can make an impactful difference. Here’s what young men need to know about these two conditions and how to help prevent them.
Why Heart Health Matters for Young Men
It’s easy to assume that heart attacks or cardiac arrest are concerns for later in life. Unfortunately, this assumption can lead to risky habits and a lack of attention to early signs of heart disease. For men aged 35-44, heart disease ranks as the second most common cause of death, following accidental injuries. In the 45-54 age group, heart disease becomes the leading cause of death.
This trend has led the American Heart Association to recommend that everyone focus on heart health as early as 20. With the proper habits and knowledge, young men can work toward a long, healthy life with a much lower risk of heart-related issues.
Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Difference?
Although heart attack and cardiac arrest are often mentioned together, they’re different conditions:
- Heart Attack: Think of a heart attack as a “plumbing” issue. When an artery that supplies blood to the heart becomes blocked—often due to a buildup of cholesterol, fat, and other substances—a portion of the heart muscle is starved of oxygen. This lack of oxygen can damage heart tissue, potentially leading to severe complications or even death.
- Cardiac Arrest: Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is an “electrical” problem. It occurs when the heart’s electrical signals malfunction, causing an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. When this happens, the heart may suddenly stop pumping blood to the body. If untreated, cardiac arrest can lead to sudden cardiac death. It is possible that heart attacks can also result in a cardiac arrest, but the two conditions don’t always occur together.
Prevention: Protecting Yourself from Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
Lowering the risk of heart attack or cardiac arrest involves a focus on preventing the buildup of arterial plaque, a condition called atherosclerosis. Here are some key ways to keep your arteries clear and reduce your risk:
- Stay Active: Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes on most days. Regular activity improves circulation, reduces stress, and helps maintain a healthy weight—all essential for heart health.
- Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Prioritize whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid unhealthy fats and limit added sugars and processed foods.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can strain the heart and increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by two to four times. Quitting smoking reduces this risk significantly over time.
- Manage Stress: A major contributor leading to elevated blood pressure is chronic stress. To protect your heart from stress, it’s important to find healthy means of managing it. This might include exercise, hobbies, or tai chi or other techniques protecting your heart.
Additionally, conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can increase your heart attack risk. Monitoring these conditions with regular checkups and making lifestyle changes can prevent complications.
Treatment Options for Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrest
For anyone experiencing a heart attack or cardiac arrest, immediate medical intervention is essential. Common symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest
- Pain spreading to the arms, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating
- Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting
In a hospital, treatments may include medications, surgical procedures (like stenting or bypass surgery), and, for those at high risk of arrhythmia, an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). Medications like blood thinners can also reduce clotting risks, while statins and other drugs can help control cholesterol and reduce artery blockages.
Final Takeaway: Small Changes, Big Impact
Heart health doesn’t mean giving up everything you love. It’s about finding balance. While an occasional indulgence won’t undo your progress, regularly choosing a healthier diet, staying active, and managing stress can help prevent heart disease. Focusing on your heart health today will significantly increase longevity along with a better overall quality of life.
When you manage your health wisely, you are inadvertently investing in your future health and wellbeing. Even if you have a family history of heart disease, you still have the power and resources to make a difference.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.