Although doctors know more now
than ever about preventing heart attacks, that does not ensure people follow
their advice.
According to the Cleveland
Clinic, patients who are treated for heart attacks are growing younger and are
increasingly obese. Researchers also found smoking rates increased from 28 to
46 percent among heart attack patients, although the national average had
declined over the same time period.
These conclusions were not what
the researchers had expected to find when they reviewed data for the 3,900
patients. The data had been gathered from 1995 to 2014.
They divided patients into four
groups that represented a five-year period. Between the first and last groups,
the patients' average age fell from 64 to 60, and the percentage of obese
patients rose from 31 to 40 percent.
On average, patients were also
sicker. Thirty-one percent had diabetes, compared to 24 percent. However, the
researchers did not have socioeconomic data points, and all the data was from
one hospital. Therefore it's not possible to know whether these statistics
would apply nationwide.
Nonetheless, the data is
sobering. The lesson from the research is that healthcare providers must do
even more, probably more than ever before, to promote heart attack prevention
and overall heart health. This includes advocating for healthier lifestyles,
more exercise, and better diets.
Prevention is key and should be
at the forefront of primary care.
Heart health shouldn't just
depend on a cardiac specialist. Primary care physicians and their patients
should all take ownership of their health and the growing problem of obesity
and heart attacks.
As a doctor, advocate for good
choices that will aid in preventing heart attacks, stroke, or weight gain. As a
patient, do not wait for illness or declining health to see you doctor.
Establish a healthy relationship with your doctor, and take care of yourself to
ensure a long, happy, healthy life. Work to avoid heart disease entirely, not
to treat it after diagnosis.
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