Heart attacks are the leading cause of death all across the world. Heart attacks can occur anytime, even in sleep, which is quite scary for people with underlying heart conditions. Even though regular testing is important to prevent heart diseases and attacks, there are a couple of things that do prevent heart attacks in sleep. Let’s dig deeper…The correlation of heart attack and sleepDuring sleep, while your body is resting, it is still doing a lot of work. While sleeping, your Blood pressure and heart rate usually slow down, but sometimes, certain conditions can cause the heart to work harder or irregularly. Problems like blocked arteries, high blood pressure, or irregular heart rhythms can increase the risk of a heart attack during sleep.This apart, some people suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, which interrupts breathing during sleep and puts extra stress on the heart, which can lead to a heart attack, though this might not always be the case.
How can deep breathing prevent heart attacksAccording to Health Guru Dr. Mickey Mehta, taking deep, slow breaths before going to bed can help calm your mind and body, reducing stress and lowering your heart rate. This simple practice activates the body’s relaxation response, which can lower blood pressure and improve oxygen flow to the heart, promoting a good night’s sleep. Regular deep breathing helps reduce the risk of heart strain and irregular heart rhythms that might trigger a heart attack during sleep.How to practice deep breathing before sleepTo practice deep breathing at night before sleep, try a technique like diaphragmatic breathing or 4-7-8 breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths from your abdomen, while 4-7-8 breathing involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.What else can you doKeeping your heart healthy is extremely important to prevent a chronic or fatal condition later on in life. Here’s what you can do…Consuming a rich, healthy diet is one of the best ways to avoid heart problems. A diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt can help keep your arteries clear and blood pressure normal. Here are some tips:Eat plenty of colored fruits and vegetables every day. (rainbow diet)Choose complex carbs like brown rice and oats, instead of white bread or rice/pasta.Include good fats found in nuts, seeds, and fish such as salmon.Limit fried foods, processed snacks, and sugary drinks, except to an occasional treat a few times a year.Keep your BP in checkExerciseRegular exercise helps control weight, lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and improve blood circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking, cycling, or swimming, most days of the week.
Stress managementStress can exponentially raise your blood pressure and cause unhealthy habits like smoking or overeating. Learning to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can protect your heart.Getting enough sleep is also crucial. Poor sleep or sleep disorders like sleep apnea increase the risk of heart attacks. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of good-quality sleep every night. If you snore loudly or feel tired during the day, talk to your doctor about sleep apnea testing.Keep Diabetes in checkHigh blood pressure and Diabetes are major risk factors for heart attacks. If you have either condition, it is important to keep them under control:Take your medicines as advisedRegularly check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.Follow your doctor’s advice on diet and exercise.Quit smoking/avoid alcoholSmoking damages the blood vessels and raises the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart. On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol can also increase blood pressure and harm your heart. Limit alcohol to moderate amounts, and that occasionally.Keep your weight under checkBeing overweight puts extra pressure on your heart and increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Losing even a little amount of weight can improve your heart health.Focus on healthy eating and regular exercise to reach and maintain a healthy weight.Warning signsSometimes, warning signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue appear before a heart attack. If you notice any of these, especially at night, seek medical help immediately.Regular health checkups help detect heart problems early. Your doctor can recommend tests like blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks, or heart scans to assess your risk.Tips for a safe sleepSleep on your left side if you have heart problems; it may improve blood flow.Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool to promote restful sleep.Avoid heavy meals or caffeine close to bedtime.Follow your doctor’s advice if you use medications for heart or sleep conditions.