(Foreword: This is the continuation of our response to Lira of LMPI regarding her query on unexpected heart attack triggers.)
DEAR Lira of LMPI,
Now, here are more unexpected heart attack triggers that would probably leave you dumbfounded.
Sudden or extreme physical exertion
Well, sometimes, we want to get in shape in a breeze. This is the reason why some people would overdo it. But doing so will be dangerous. Remember that about 6 percent of heart attacks are caused by extreme physical workout. Of course, exercise is good. It will protect your heart and a good way to get you out of stress. But, there are always limitations on what we do. This could be more emphasized when you are angry or troubled. So, take things cool. Don’t let things affect you and your heart. And be sure to do things always in moderation.
Some colds or some flu
When you have flu or some infection, your immune system will try to fight off the infection. However, by doing so, this can cause some inflammation which can damage your heart and your arteries. As a matter of fact, there was a study which showed that people with respiratory infections have two times the risk of having a heart attack. But the risk went down after their infection has been cleared. This is the reason why heart attacks are much higher when there is flu epidemic. So, the elderlies are especially encouraged to get a flu shot to help him thwart a possible heart attack.
Bronchial Asthma
The problem is, if you have this disease, your heart attack will go up to about 70 percent. And don’t you ever think that having an inhaler with you to keep your asthma under control will just gravitate you away from the risk of heart attack because even if you are armed with a thousand inhalers, your risk is still higher than people who don’t have asthma.
And here’s more: some people who have asthma tend to ignore some chest tightness because they thought it’s because of their asthma. But, chest tightness could also be an early sign of a heart attack. To sum it up, it is inflammation that triggers this problem.
Hmmm… As much as I wanted to talk more about the tips and tricks of the trade to help you in your fight against these unexpected heart triggers, but since we are losing space this time let me then continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o VoxPop-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)
