Heart Attack Archive

Each year, an estimated 700,000 Americans suffer from cardiac arrest, when the heart abruptly stops beating, causing the person to collapse and stop breathing. Immediately performing hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can more than double the odds of survival. Experts recommend that all adults should take an in-person CPR class at least once and have a refresher course every two to three years.

A gluten-free diet (which omits wheat, rye, and barley) may be low in fiber, a nutrient that's important for cardiovascular health. People who avoid gluten should try to include gluten-free grains and seeds in their menus, such as amaranth, buckwheat, millet, sorghum, teff, and quinoa. Carrots, celery, kale, and kiwis contain mostly insoluble fiber, which helps you feel full and encourages regular bowel movements. Beans, nuts, seeds, and fruits (such as berries, apples, pears, and citrus fruits) are good sources of soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

About two-thirds of people over 65 have periodontal disease, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Shared risk factors such as smoking and an unhealthy diet may explain the association, but bacteria and inflammation could be a common thread. The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can travel to blood vessels throughout the body and have been found in the fatty debris (atherosclerosis) that clogs arteries located far from the mouth—and in blood clots from people who have experienced heart attacks.

A 2024 study of more than 200,000 adults, combined with findings from 19 other studies (for a total of 1.25 million people), tied eating ultra-processed foods—particularly sugary drinks and processed meats—to an increased risk for heart disease.

About 5% of Americans have low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values of 190 mg/dL or higher. Their risk of heart disease is five times higher than people with near-optimal values (less than 130 mg/dL). Some have familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that can lead to LDL values up to 350 mg/dL (or even higher in some cases). Known as FH, it's a common cause of early heart attacks.

People can learn how to give chest compressions—a key aspect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR—by watching a 90-second online video. CPR keeps blood flowing to the brain and vital organs during a cardiac arrest. There are various ways to practice chest compressions on a mannequin, including at an in-person class or at one of 30 kiosks (including six at major airports) located nationwide.

Heart attack symptoms can be severe or subtle. The underlying process that causes a heart attack can differ, and people may experience significant heart damage or little to none. Doctors diagnose a heart attack based on symptoms, a person's cardiovascular risk profile, electrocardiogram findings and the blood troponin level. Troponin is a protein released when heart damage occurs. Immediate and long-term treatment depend upon the type of heart attack and its impact on heart function.

Air travel tips for people who have or are at risk for heart disease include bringing extra prescription medications in a carry-on bag and drinking water—but not alcohol—during the flight. When taking medications (especially blood pressure and anti-clotting drugs), people should try to schedule their doses based on their home time zone. On a long flight, walking a little every hour or so will help improve circulation in the legs; so can flexing the feet and circling the ankles. Doing so may reduce the chance of developing a blood clot, although the overall risk of such clots (known as deep-vein thrombosis) is quite low.

High levels of lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a)—a variant of LDL (bad) cholesterol— may triple the risk of a heart attack, even among healthy people with no other known risks for heart disease.

The combination of drinking alcohol and sleeping while on a plane puts a big strain on the body, especially the cardiovascular system. This is because blood oxygen normally drops slightly when flying high above sea level, sleeping, or consuming alcohol. The more contributors to low blood oxygen there are, the harder the body has to work to compensate by breathing faster and increasing heart rate. There's even more strain if someone has heart or lung disease, which places the person at a higher risk for a heart attack or stroke.