This Could Lead to a Heart Attack, a Thought You Might Not Have Considered

Overview

Despite advancements in preventive measures and sophisticated medical procedures, heart disease remains the primary cause of death in the United States.

Many factors that elevate the risk of sudden death from a heart attack are not widely recognized.

These risks come as a surprise to many individuals. They are often referred to as "unusual triggers for heart attacks." It is important to be aware of these factors to be vigilant when your risk of heart issues may be increasing.

Fluctuating Weather Conditions

Significant shifts in weather conditions from one day to the next can increase the likelihood of a heart attack.

A study conducted at the University of Michigan revealed that abrupt changes in temperature pose a risk to heart health. While previous research indicated that very low temperatures alone can raise the risk of a heart attack, this study demonstrated that day-to-day temperature fluctuations also contribute to the danger.¹

Researcher Hedvig Andersson explains, "Although the body has mechanisms to adapt to temperature changes, rapid and extreme fluctuations may impose additional stress on these systems, potentially leading to health issues." However, the exact reasons behind the negative impact of temperature changes on the heart are not yet fully understood.

The study, involving 30,000 participants treated at 45 Michigan hospitals from 2010 to 2016, showed that the overall risk of a heart attack increased by five percent for every nine-degree Fahrenheit swing in temperature (equivalent to five degrees Celsius). Quick transitions from cold to warmer days were found to pose a greater risk to heart health than shifts from warm to cold days.

Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome

Research conducted at Case Western Reserve University indicates that having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) raises the risk of experiencing a heart attack.²

The study, which involved more than 17 million individuals, revealed that the risk of a heart attack increased across all age groups, with the most significant rise observed in individuals aged 18 to 24. This heightened risk persisted even among non-smokers and individuals without high blood pressure.

Researcher Muhammad S. Panhwar notes, "Younger patients with IBD had approximately nine times the risk of a heart attack compared to their counterparts in the same age group without IBD. Our findings suggest that IBD should be recognized as an independent risk factor for heart disease."

Positive Mindset for Heart Health

Another factor that influences the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack is surprisingly simple to address - one's outlook and attitude.

Research conducted at Duke University, focusing on individuals with chronic angina (chest discomfort that typically occurs during physical exertion due to reduced blood flow to the heart), indicates that individuals with a positive outlook tend to encounter fewer heart-related issues as they age.³

The study at Duke revealed that optimism is linked to fewer hospitalizations and a reduced need for heart-related surgeries, lowering the chances of requiring overnight hospital stays by 40 percent.

Interestingly, individuals with anxiety disorders may fare better after a heart attack compared to those without such disorders, according to a study in Germany. Anxiety-prone individuals may exhibit heightened awareness of heart attack symptoms and seek medical attention promptly, leading to better survival odds post-heart attack.⁴ Prompt medical intervention after a heart attack significantly improves survival rates.

Research indicates that women with anxiety disorders typically arrive at the hospital nearly two hours sooner following a heart attack compared to women without anxiety disorders. Men with anxiety disorders tend to reach the hospital 48 minutes earlier.

Another heart-related risk to be cautious of is the flu. While this year's flu season has passed, the next season will bring an increased risk of heart attacks. Canadian research suggests that experiencing the flu raises the likelihood of a heart attack sixfold.⁵ Therefore, during the upcoming flu season, remain vigilant for any potential heart-related health issues.

Lastly, a study published in Clinical Research in Cardiology in November 2013 found that die-hard sports fans are more prone to heart attacks following their team's loss in the Super Bowl. Stay calm, everyone!

1. http://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2018/02/27/11/19/heart-attacks-often-follow-dramatic-changes-in-outdoor-temperature
2. http://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2018/02/27/11/38/inflammatory-bowel-disease-increases-likelihood-of-a-heart-attack
3. http://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2018/02/27/10/58/a-positive-outlook-may-improve-outcomes-for-people-with-chest-pain
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29383439
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29365305