Cardiologist Valentina Baydina of SM-Clinic in Saint Petersburg has outlined a basic formula for heart attack prevention built on simple daily habits and routine health monitoring, speaking to Russian news outlet Lenta.ru.
Baydina identified regular arterial blood pressure monitoring as the most accessible and vital tool for safeguarding heart health.
She explained that hypertension can progress for years without any noticeable symptoms, quietly damaging blood vessels and overloading the cardiac muscle. She advised individuals to make blood pressure measurements a regular routine, even when feeling entirely healthy.
Annual diagnostic screenings
As a second essential step, the cardiologist recommended an annual medical screening that includes an electrocardiogram at least once every year for all adults.
However, if an individual periodically experiences chest pain, heaviness, or a burning sensation in the chest, they should undergo an immediate medical examination without waiting for a routine appointment, Baydina emphasized.
An electrocardiogram, commonly known as an ECG, is a routine diagnostic procedure that records the heart electrical activity to detect arrhythmias, reduced blood flow, or underlying cardiac strain. SM-Clinic is a prominent network of medical centers headquartered in Saint Petersburg, the second largest city in Russia.
Blood glucose and cholesterol monitoring
The cardiologist also urged patients to keep close track of their blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Elevated blood sugar damages the internal lining of blood vessels, creating structural vulnerabilities in the vascular system.
Meanwhile, an excess of bad cholesterol leads to the formation of fatty plaques. These deposits can restrict arterial blood flow at any moment, potentially triggering a myocardial infarction.
Arterial plaque buildup, known as atherosclerosis, narrows blood vessels and restricts the oxygen supply reaching heart tissue. Over time, unmanaged diabetes and elevated lipids significantly increase the overall risk of acute cardiovascular events.
Lifestyle factors and heart strain
Beyond diagnostic testing, Baydina warned against lifestyle habits that force the heart to operate to exhaustion. She specifically urged people to avoid chronic sleep deprivation, a lack of physical activity, and the uncontrolled consumption of stimulants, including excess caffeine and energy drinks.
She also cautioned against carrying viral infections without taking proper rest and strongly advised against silencing chest pain with over-the-counter painkillers.
Her advice follows earlier comments by cardiologist Sergey Vechtomov, who warned that an elevated resting heart rate without physical exertion serves as an important warning sign of potential health problems.
