People often ask me where I get my motivation to work out consistently and maintain a healthy diet.
Easy: Motivation usually comes from wanting to create something positive—or avoid something painful.
In my case, I have a heavy reminder in my family history. My dad (who would have turned 106 today) had his first heart attack at just 35 years old. His second heart attack took his life at age 58, when I was only 15.
So there’s my motivation. And I’ve spent most of my adult life doing everything I can to make sure his fate does not become mine.
Unfortunately, when it comes to heart attacks, many people are still very much in the dark… and not knowing the signs can cost you your life.
So let’s take a closer look: what heart attacks really are, the symptoms to watch for, what to do if you suspect one, and—most importantly—how to help prevent them.
The startling statistics
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a heart attack (myocardial infarction), and roughly 15% of them do not survive.
Around 805,000 Americans experience a heart attack each year.
At least 70% of Americans have one or more risk factors: high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, a processed-food diet, inactivity, diabetes, or heavy alcohol use.
Sadly, many people have several of these risk factors—which sends heart attack risk through the roof.
And in about 1 in 5 cases, the heart attack is completely “silent,” meaning no noticeable symptoms at all. The person doesn’t even know it happened—yet the heart damage is real.
The array of symptoms
Movies often show a person clutching their chest and collapsing (think Fred Sanford—“I’m coming, Elizabeth!”). But in real life, heart attack symptoms can be much more subtle.
And the symptoms can differ significantly between men and women.
Common heart attack symptoms in men
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Chest discomfort or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes (or comes and goes)
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Pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
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Shortness of breath
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Cold sweats
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Nausea
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Lightheadedness
Common heart attack symptoms in women
Women may also feel chest discomfort, but they are far more likely than men to experience:
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Severe shortness of breath
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Cold sweats
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Stomach pain
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Fatigue
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Nausea and/or vomiting
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Extreme dizziness or lightheadedness
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Sharp pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw
If you suspect a heart attack, DON’T wait
If you even remotely suspect you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
If calling is not an option, have someone drive you to the nearest ER or call an ambulance.
You can also chew and swallow an aspirin—unless you are allergic or your doctor has told you not to take it.
Prevention is crucial
The best way to ensure your number doesn’t come up in the “heart attack lottery” is to take steps to prevent one in the first place.
And if you’ve already had a heart attack, your risk of another is higher—so prevention becomes even more essential.
Here’s how to stack the deck in your favor:
Support your heart with omega-3 essential fatty acids
Omega-3s help protect your heart in several powerful ways:
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They help lower blood pressure.
Studies show fish oil can reduce systolic pressure by five points or more and diastolic by three or more. -
They combat inflammation—a key underlying factor in heart disease.
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They help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
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They help raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
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They help reduce blood clot risk by decreasing platelet stickiness and curbing fibrinogen formation.
Omega-3s may also help stabilize your heartbeat and reduce arrhythmia risk during a cardiac event.
Unfortunately, modern diets don’t provide the omega-3 levels they used to—mainly because our livestock are grain-fed (rich in inflammatory omega-6s) instead of pasture-raised.
That’s why supplementation is often the best way to ensure adequate intake. A high-quality formula like VitalMega-3 provides a soothing 1,200 mg of pure, pharmaceutical-grade EPA and DHA per daily dose.
If you take heart medications, speak with your doctor before starting fish oil.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
Focus on real, whole foods:
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Fresh vegetables and fruits
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High-quality meats, poultry, eggs, and fish
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Full-fat dairy
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Real butter (never margarine!)
Avoid:
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Refined sugars
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Starchy carbs (white breads, pastries, pastas, chips)
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Vegetable and seed oils
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Processed and fast foods
These foods spike glucose and insulin, driving inflammation—one of the biggest contributors to cardiovascular disease.
Also: Stay hydrated with filtered water and drink alcohol only in moderation.
Get regular exercise
Regular physical activity can reduce high blood pressure risk by up to 30%. Exercise also strengthens your heart, raises HDL, and lowers triglycerides.
Get your doctor’s OK, choose an activity you enjoy (even brisk walking counts!), and get moving.
Consider acupuncture
Studies show that acupuncture treatments are associated with fewer heart attacks and improved cardiovascular function.
Manage your stress
Chronic stress fuels inflammation, which contributes to numerous conditions including high blood pressure, arthritis, chronic pain, premature aging, weight gain, and—yes—heart disease and cancer.
Regular exercise is one of the best stress relievers, so there’s yet another reason to make movement a daily habit.
Avoid proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Medications like Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec suppress stomach acid to relieve heartburn—but at a steep cost.
Shutting down stomach acid long-term can contribute to:
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Chronic kidney disease
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Weakened immune function
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Dementia and Alzheimer’s
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Increased overall mortality
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Gas, bloating, and constipation
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Higher risk of heart attack
A safer, natural option for occasional heartburn is our Gastro BeCalm Blend, which includes mastic gum, DGL licorice, ginger, and marshmallow root—herbs with a long track record of calming digestive discomfort.
Do what you need to do to protect your precious heart!
Your heart works tirelessly for you every single day. Treat it well, give it the support it needs, and take steps now to protect your long-term health.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
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Please keep an eye on the announcements banner (top of the webpage) so there are no surprises from Christmas to the New Year.
