Heart surgeon shares one piece of life saving advice to prevent a massive heart attack

Symptoms of heart attack: The expert warns that if you get chest pain or shortness of breath with exertion that’s relieved with rest, you must take note (Image: Pexels)

• Chest pain or breathlessness with mild activity is a red flag
• Symptoms relieved by rest may signal blocked arteries
• Healthy diet and regular exercise help prevent heart disease

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Cardiovascular diseases are on the rise and are the leading cause of death worldwide. Symptoms that begin to appear early are often ignored as part of ageing. However, they may point to a bigger problem.

Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon, took to his Instagram to call out one of the major signs that most people overlook, which can be a cause for worry later. “If you get chest pain or shortness of breath with exertion that’s relieved with rest, this is a red flag,” he pointed out.

The cardiovascular surgeon clarified that he’s not talking about intense activities like running a marathon or working out, but about basic activities of daily living, such as taking out the trash or going up a flight of stairs. Even these can seem challenging with a blocked artery.

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When an artery is blocked, it implies impaired functioning of the heart muscle. This begins to show signs even with slight exertion, but as soon as you rest, it returns to normal.

“Because what’s happening is with an important blockage, as you exert yourself , the heart muscle below is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients. And when you sit down, your heart ratecomes down and the symptoms are relieved,” Dr Jeremy explained.

Most people shrug this off as signs of ageing. Instead, they scale their lifestyle by parking closer at the grocery store or taking the elevator, but the heart surgeon cautioned these are warning signs. “You need to have some intellectual honesty about what your body is telling you.  And remember denial is not a river in Egypt,” he concluded.

Those who want to take care of their heart health long term should know that diet and exercise play a crucial role. Eating anti-inflammatory foods that are high in fibre helps. Incorporate vegetables, whole grains, and fruits into your daily routine. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease. For this, a mix of aerobic and strength training works best.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.