In my career as a cardiologist, I have come across a wide variety of cases, but there are some stories that are always unforgettable. In the case of Mr. Zhang, for example, his experience is a profound reminder that even after making seemingly correct lifestyle changes, heart health can still be at risk. Mr. Zhang underwent heart stent surgery two years ago, and after the surgery, he resolutely quit smoking and drinking, and began to focus on a healthy diet, and everyone applauded his change. However, life always seems to have its unpredictable side, and less than two years after quitting smoking and drinking, he suffered another heart attack, this time more severe than the last.
This incident gave me a great shock, and it also made me think deeply about why Mr. Zhang would have suffered such a misfortune after making a positive change? After in-depth communication with Mr. Zhang and his family, I gradually discovered the reasons behind it, which are not only Mr. Zhang's personal problems, but also blind spots that many people may ignore when pursuing healthy lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes and cardiovascular health
When we hear about people who bravely quit smoking and drinking after heart stent surgery, we all have the highest respect and support in our hearts. Indeed, quitting smoking and alcohol is a major positive change for cardiovascular health. Tobacco and alcohol are both important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which directly affect the health of blood vessels and increase the risk of disease. Therefore, getting rid of these two habits is undoubtedly a solid step towards a healthy life.
However, lifestyle changes don't stop there. Cardiovascular health is like an edifice that needs to be supported in many ways, and it is not enough to stop smoking and drinking. Regular check-ups are just as important as sensitive capture of body signals. Many times, we may feel like we've done enough and let our focus on other health indicators come off. For example, blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, etc., these are the "invisible killers" of cardiovascular health. Without regular check-ups, it is difficult to detect the existence of problems, let alone adjust the treatment plan in time.
In the process, we also recognize that the body is a complex and delicate system, and its response to lifestyle changes may not be immediate. For example, after you quit smoking, your body needs time to repair the damage caused by smoking, and after you quit drinking, your liver function may gradually return to normal. In this process, we may encounter some twists and turns, such as weight gain, mood swings, etc., these are normal adjustment processes, the key is to persevere and not give up.
In addition, lifestyle changes are not only about getting rid of certain bad habits, but more importantly about establishing new healthy habits. For example, regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and effective stress management are all important components of cardiovascular health. Exercise can not only help control weight, but also improve heart function and enhance the elasticity of blood vessels, a balanced diet can provide the body with essential nutrients while avoiding damage to blood vessels caused by high-fat and high-salt foods, and adequate sleep and good stress management can help the body recover and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Behind the second myocardial infarction – the risk factor of omission
After a successful stent surgery, Mr. Zhang began his journey to quit smoking and drinking in earnest. He firmly believes that as long as he adheres to this lifestyle, his heart can be best protected. However, less than two years later, a new heart attack crisis put him in the hospital again. This blow not only confused Mr. Zhang, but also made him reflect: why did a heart attack come to the door despite the changes he had made?
Missed risk factors: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes
Mr. Zhang's experience is not unusual. Many people who experience cardiovascular disease take significant lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and drinking. However, in addition to these obvious changes, there are some potential risk factors that are often overlooked, including the management of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.
Known as the "Big Three Killers of Cardiovascular Disease," these conditions are able to silently disrupt vascular health and increase the risk of another heart attack. Although Mr. Zhang had quit smoking and drinking, he neglected regular check-ups and did not notice a gradual increase in his blood pressure and blood lipid levels. At the same time, he lacked sufficient awareness of the potential risks of diabetes to take proper precautions.
Psychological Stress: The Invisible Cardiovascular "Invisible Killer"
Another factor that is often overlooked is psychological stress. Mental health and cardiovascular health are closely linked, and long-term stress can have a direct impact on heart health. For Mr. Zhang, although he has made changes in his living habits, the pressure in work and life has not been effectively managed. The long-term accumulated stress became an important factor in triggering his heart attack again.
What do we do in the face of missing risk factors?
First of all, for patients who already have a history of cardiovascular disease, quitting smoking and drinking is just the beginning. In addition to this, regular medical check-ups and doctor's consultations are crucial. This can not only help monitor key indicators such as blood pressure, blood lipids and blood sugar, but also adjust the treatment plan in time to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
Secondly, for the management of psychological stress, it is necessary to establish a healthy stress coping mechanism. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as getting regular physical activity, engaging in social activities, or learning relaxation techniques.
The hidden culprit is a subtle change in living habits
When we talk about cardiovascular health, most people think of quitting smoking and drinking, which is certainly a very important step. But there is a problem, many people who quit smoking and drinking may be self-righteous and think that they are away from the threat of cardiovascular disease. However, other aspects of lifestyle habits, especially those seemingly innocuous small habits, may actually be the culprits lurking in another heart attack.
Potential problems with eating habits
You may have quit drinking and smoking, but have your eating habits changed? Are greasy foods and high-salt snacks still frequent on your table? The hidden high fat and salt content of these foods have no less impact on cardiovascular health than tobacco and alcohol. They can lead to increased blood pressure, blood lipid disorders, and an increased risk of heart attack.
The crux of the matter is that many people don't see these eating habits as a potential threat. They may think that now that the change has been made, the occasional indulgence won't be a big deal. But in fact, this "occasional" indulgence can easily become the norm, silently damaging cardiovascular health.
Lack of exercise: The invisible killer of cardiovascular health
Another issue that is often overlooked is the lack of exercise. Even if you have quit smoking and drinking, if you continue to lead a sedentary lifestyle, the risk of cardiovascular health is still high. Exercise can not only help control weight and lower blood pressure, but also improve heart function and blood circulation.
But many people think they're too busy to find time to exercise. Or think that a simple walk is enough to cope with all the risks of cardiovascular disease. In fact, the type and intensity of exercise should be adjusted according to the individual's health condition. A reasonable exercise plan can provide a stronger guarantee for cardiovascular health.
How to change?
Eat wisely: Reduce your intake of greasy, high-salt foods and increase the proportion of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Check your lipids regularly and consult a dietitian if necessary.
Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling. Remember to warm up and cool down before and after exercising.
Life details: In addition to diet and exercise, it is important to maintain good sleep quality, manage stress, and avoid sitting for long periods of time.