Be Aware, These Are the Symptoms & How to Maintain Heart Health at a Young Age

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Signs of a heart attack can vary, but some common symptoms to watch out for include:

• Chest Pain: Uncomfortable pain or pressure in the chest that can spread to the arms, neck, or back that is more persistent and does not subside with rest
• Shortness of Breath: Sudden onset of shortness of breath, especially when not doing heavy activity
• Cold Sweat: Sweating that occurs along with chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting
• Nausea and Dizziness: Sometimes accompanied by nausea, dizziness, or feeling very tired

How to Maintain Heart Health at a Young Age

The good news is that we can control several risk factors for heart attacks with a healthy lifestyle. Here are some simple ways to maintain heart health:

• Healthy Diet: Limit foods high in saturated fat and increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and grains. According to WHO data, consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 31%. Regular Exercise: At least 30 minutes a day, whether brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can help keep your heart healthy. The CDC reports that regular physical activity can reduce your risk of heart attack by up to 50%.
• Manage Stress: Find a stress management method that works for you, such as meditation, yoga, or pursuing a hobby you enjoy. Research shows that mindfulness practice can lower cortisol levels and blood pressure.
• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These habits have been shown to damage blood vessels and increase the risk of various heart diseases. In Indonesia, active smokers reach 33.8% of the adult population, and smoking increases the risk of heart disease by two-fold.
• Routine Health Checks: Nowadays, many health facilities offer cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar checks. This step is very important, especially if you have other risk factors.

Awareness is Key

So, is it possible for young people to have a heart attack? The answer is yes. Understanding and awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle to maintain heart health from a young age is very necessary so that we can reduce the risk of heart attack. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor about efforts to maintain heart health or to have an early examination if you have symptoms or risk factors for heart disease as mentioned above. There is no age too young to start maintaining our heart health.

If you experience these complaints, please do a health check at the nearest health service and you can also go to RSU Hermina Manado, especially at the heart & blood vessel polyclinic to get direct treatment from our specialist doctors. The doctor's practice schedule at RSU Hermina Manado can be accessed via the website and the Halo Hermina mobile application.