The heart is a muscle found in most living animals, including humans, that pumps blood through the network of arteries and veins around the entire body. A heart attack occurs when a part of the heart stops responding due to the blockage of blood flow, which is also known as blood clotting. Blood clotting or blockage is most often created or built up due to fat, cholesterol and other substances. Heart attacks can be fatal, but medical treatment has also vastly improved in recent years. Heart attacks can be caused by fully clogged blood vessels or even by partially blocked ones.
Although the medical treatment for a heart attack has dramatically improved over the years, it is always safe to avoid one. British Heart Foundation found that people might have a blockage in arteries or heart vessels without even knowing it, and they only get to know it when they have a heart attack. In this article, we will read about a few of the foods and fruits that can be consumed on a regular basis, which can help to clean the blood vessels or clean the arteries in the heart and prevent heart attacks naturally.
Fatty Fish
Fish should be the first thing that needs to be increased in an everyday meal. Fish contains a good amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help to control blood cholesterol. Increased blood cholesterol can lead to blocked arteries, resulting in heart attacks. A US clinical nutrition study found that people who eat more fatty fish have healthier hearts than people who do not eat fatty fish in their daily meals.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed has proven to be beneficial for primary and secondary heart disease. Flaxseed contains Omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, which helps to make the heart healthy. Flax seed can be taken by mixing with yoghurt, cereal, salad or by simply drinking with regular water.
Turmeric
In many studies, turmeric has proven to be very helpful for the heart to protect it from various metabolic conditions, which lead to the development of heart diseases. Turmeric powder can be sprinkled over scrambled eggs, vegetables, soup, or it can even be blended with a smoothie. A proper amount should be added to avoid the bitter taste of turmeric.
Citrus Fruits
A study confirmed that fruits containing citrus can help reduce blood pressure and stenosis. Studies have shown that Viscous Fibre-containing fruits can also help prevent the arteries from getting clogged. Lemon, oranges and grapefruits can be a good source of the above-mentioned.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate proved to be helpful for the heart in clinical studies. It prevented many pathological changes which are clearly linked to heart diseases. Pomegranate can help the heart by reducing oxidative stress and with many other beneficial results.
Walnuts
Research has found that Walnuts increase the flexibility of the arteries. Additionally, it was also found to be protecting the arteries from getting damaged due to the consumption of food high in saturated fat. Just have a few walnuts every day to keep your heart arteries flexible.
What are the symptoms of a Heart Attack?
Heart attacks can be fatal. Not all heart attacks have similar symptoms, but some can arrive even without notice and can strike suddenly. However, many individuals tend to get heart attack warning symptoms weeks, days or hours before. Common symptoms are given below:
- Pain, pressure or a squeezing sensation in the chest, which may spread to the neck, jaw or back.
- Nausea, heartburn or abdominal pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness.
- Cold sweat.
