In Florida, Cynthia Jones, a 61 -year -old dynamic woman, almost died of a heart attack after neglecting an apparently harmless symptom – and yet very serious. In the parade media, she returns to this mishap.
The sixties did not take this key sign seriously …
As she thought she was leading a healthy and balanced life, Cynthia Jones suffered a sudden heart attack, going to her workplace. “”I was in good shape, I thought I had adopted all the “good” habits “she admits. However, for several days, she had suffered from inconvenience which should have alerted her.
“I felt like I had stomach burns that did not pass, despite several tablets”, tells the sixties. She specifies that beyond these burns, she also had extremely pain on the back. “”I took ibuprofen, thinking that I stayed at my office for too long“She says.
The problem ? Two days later, his symptoms have still not disappeared. The sixties then decides to go to the emergency room. But before that, she wants to go to her office. At the red light, she loses consciousness. “”It was then that I understood that something serious was happening“She recalls.
In the hospital, the exams reveal that one of its arteries, the “anterior downward coronary” is obstructed at 99%. Cynthia had just experienced a heart attack.
According to Dr. Farooq, there is no doubt: it is the stress that is at the origin of this infarction, since Cynthia Jones“was very stressed by his work”. Since this incident, the Florida has decided to “slow down”, notably by leaving several professional missions.
An initiative valid by Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical. “”Yes, chronic stress can have consequences on cardiovascular health, even in people who consider themselves in perfect health “, he admits.
Stress promotes inflammation of arteries
From a organic point of view, stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, confirms the doctor.
“These hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure. They promote inflammation of arteries and can cause coronary spasms. Chronic stress can finally promote the formation of blood clots”, recognizes Dr Gérald Kierzek.
In the long term, stress can thus have deleterious effects on cardiovascular health. “It contributes in particular to an increase in the risk of hypertension, to the acceleration of atherosclerosis – a progressive hardening of the arteries – as well as an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. It can also be at the origin of Tako -Tsubo syndrome, also called” broken heart syndrome “, a particularly frequent condition in women”, specifies the medical director of True Medical.
To better manage stress on a daily basis, several techniques have demonstrated their effectiveness.
“Meditation and mindfulness, practiced 10 to 15 minutes a day, can significantly reduce cortisol levels. Regular physical exercise acts as a natural stress regulator. Active deep breathing as to the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Finally, disciplines like yoga or tai chi, which combine mild movements, controlled breathing and relaxation, are also very beneficial.” says the medical expert.
Adopting better lifestyle can also make all the difference. “”A quality sleep – 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night – allows good physical and mental recovery. A healthy diet, where the consumption of caffeine, alcohol and ultra-transformed food is reduced, is also beneficial. Learning to say no and prioritizing tasks is also essential. Finally, maintaining positive relationships is and not hesitating to ask for help if necessary is necessary “, continues the doctor.
Symptoms announcing a heart attack: what are they and when worried?
Some alert signals should never be ignored:
- Persistent fatigue without explanation;
- Chronic sleep disturbances;
- Irritability or constant anxiety;
- Chest pain, even light;
- Frequent palpitations.
If in doubt, only one thing to do: “Call 15”, concludes the medical director of True Medical.