Who is at risk of a heart attack!

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-Common symptoms of a heart attack include weakness, sweating, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and shortness of breath-

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A heart attack occurs when certain parts of the heart muscle do not receive an adequate supply of blood. If left untreated for an extended period, it can cause more severe damage. The primary cause of heart attacks is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and its symptoms tend to be more readily observable in women compared to men.

Common symptoms of a heart attack include weakness, sweating, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and shortness of breath, among others. Notably, there is a concerning rise in heart attack cases among young adults, with fatal instances occurring in individuals in their early 30s and 40s due to sudden and severe heart attacks.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 18 million people worldwide succumb to various cardiovascular conditions each year, with heart attacks claiming a significant number of lives. An alarming trend post-COVID-19 is the increased reporting of heart attacks, leading to debates among health experts on whether COVID-19 itself or its vaccines might be contributing factors.

It is crucial for people to recognize early signs and symptoms of heart disease and to address risk factors proactively. Additional indicators of a heart attack include numbness of the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body, confusion, impaired vision in one or both eyes, difficulty in walking, dizziness, loss of balance, severe headaches, and loss of consciousness.

Several lifestyle factors contribute to heart attacks in young adults, especially in the post-COVID era. These include an unhealthy diet, excessive salt consumption, insufficient physical activity, and stress, which is a prevalent cause of heart attacks in this demographic.

Disturbingly, a quarter of Kenya’s population is affected by heart failure, stroke, and heart-related issues, primarily between the ages of 30 and 70. Stress has emerged as a significant factor affecting the country’s youth. In some cases, stress can lead to suicide, as exemplified by the tragic incident in Mombasa where a young engineer self-immolated due to the high cost of living, among other unidentified incidents.

STORY BY: Jesse Abisheck

Email: abijessyshi@gmail.com

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