Most heart attacks and strokes are caused by “atherothrombosis”; this is a highly preventable disease.

Atherothrombosis happens when fatty material, also known as plaque, breaks, a blood clot is then formed, and this can then block the blood flow and lead to a heart attack, a stroke, and even arterial disease, which causes leg pain.

There are a number of conditions related to health, to lifestyle and to other factors that will contribute to this disease and increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.

Health related conditions: high cholesterol; high blood pressure; poor circulation; diabetes.

Lifestyle: smoking; obesity; overweight; lack of exercise; bad diet.

Other factors: age; family history.

Atherothrombosis: How it works.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and other factors will lead to the build up of fatty plagues inside the arteries.

The blood flow becomes restricted as the plaque increases in size. Blood clots happen when the plaque breaks through the lining of the artery.

Cells, actually called platelets, stick to the damaged area of the artery. A web of fibres is created around the platelets, producing a blood clot. This blood clot could break free and block the flow of blood if it gets stuck in a smaller artery leading to the heart, brain, or other organs.

Ask yourself these questions:

-Are you over 50? -Do you have a parent or a sibling who ever had a heart attack or stroke? -Do you have diabetes? -Have you ever had any kind of circulation problem? -What are the numbers of your cholesterol? Blood Pressure? LDL and HDL? How are your triglycerides? -What is your weight? Are you a little overweight? Are you a lot overweight, even obese? -How is your diet? Do you understand what makes a healthy diet? -Do you understand about nutrition? -Do you smoke?

Work out a plan to minimize your risk right now.

- Quit smoking, this is a no brainer. - Exercise regularly - Make the necessary diet changes to be able to convert over to a new healthy diet. - If you do the above you will have a healthy weight loss. - Try to control you “numbers” naturally. If you cannot, or they are too high, there are medicines to help you.

Always consult with your doctor. Do not wait to visit the doctor’s office. Do it today and make a health and fitness plan. We do not need to become medical experts to control our lifestyle; we just need to become informed.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice.

Ruth is actively involved with the internet and she finds it very exciting. Her passions are people and pet health. She is a wife, a stepmom a dog owner and a business person. She is married for almost 30 years to Chris who has been, and still is, battling the monster MS. Two of her dogs are Certified Therapy Dogs. She is currently working from her home.

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