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reason of sudden heart attack
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #18229
72 days ago
164

reason of sudden heart attack - #18229

Fatima

I am really worried about something that happened last week. My dad, who's been generally healthy and super active, suddenly collapsed while he was gardening. He was rushed to the hospital and the doctors said it was a heart attack, which just blew my mind. There’s no history of heart disease in our family, and he’s only 55! I don't get it—what could be the reason of sudden heart attack at his age? He doesn’t smoke, eats pretty well—okay maybe too much salt sometimes, but still! The doctors ran some tests and said his cholesterol wasn’t that bad either. I keep thinking, what’s the reason of sudden heart attack in someone who seems so fit? Did they miss something or was there a silent problem? I’ve heard stress can play a massive role. He had a tough few months at work, but when he came home, he seemed okay. I keep going over everything, trying to piece it all together. If anyone has insight on the reason of sudden heart attack or what signs we might’ve overlooked, I’d really appreciate any advice. I just need to understand this better, y’know?

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Doctors' responses

A sudden heart attack can indeed be surprising, especially in someone who appears fit and doesn’t have a family history of heart disease. However, there are several factors that could contribute to this that aren’t immediately obvious. The primary cause of a heart attack is usually the blockage of a coronary artery, which could be from the gradual buildup of plaque or a sudden rupture triggering a clot. Even in the absence of obvious risk factors like a smoking habit or high cholesterol, there are additional considerations. Hypertension, even with just a high salt intake, can quietly increase the risk of heart disease by putting extra strain on the heart over time. It’s also possible that subtle issues weren’t easily detectable through standard cholesterol tests alone. Lipoprotein(a), a lesser-known type of cholesterol, could’ve played a role if elevated, but it’s not commonly screened. Then there are lifestyle-related risk factors like high stress, which you mentioned. Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on heart health, potentially contributing to this event even if your dad seemed okay outwardly. Inflammation in the body triggered by stress, along with stress hormones like cortisol, may influence heart disease progression or instigate cardiac events. Another aspect to consider is whether there could be any underlying medical conditions that haven’t been diagnosed, such as sleep apnea, which is linked to cardiovascular problems. To get a clearer picture, an evaluation by a cardiologist may be beneficial. They can consider advanced screenings or a deeper investigation into any hidden conditions. In the meantime, it’s crucial to have ongoing dialogues with his healthcare providers to ensure monitoring and managing of any potential risk factors. If there’s concern for undue stress or lifestyle factors, addressing these might help reduce future risks. Establishing a heart-healthy lifestyle post-event is key, which means balanced nutrition, regular exercise in consultation with his doctor, and effective stress management techniques.

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