Heart attack patients could be at a greater risk of developing dementia said a latest study. The study published in the journal Circulation said that heart attack increased the risk of vascular dementia by 35 percent. The risk persists till up to 35 years after the heart attack. For the study the team studied the number of dementia diagnosis among 200,000 people who were able to survive the first year after a heart attack during the period 1980-2012. The study also notes that heart attack had no association with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but 'only' an increased risk of vascular dementia
The researchers called for immediate preventive measures and medications for the patients to keep the risk of dementia at bay. For the majority of dementia diseases, there is no good treatment once the dementia has set in, therefore it becomes all the more important to prevent the condition from setting in.
For the study, 200,000 survivors of a blood clot in the heart were examined for every conceivable dementia diagnoses in the Danish National Patient Register and the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register. Post this, they compared the survivors with the control group consisting of one million people from the background population.
The patients were followed over a period of up to 35 years, post their heart attack. The study revealed that the increased risk of vascular dementia remains continuously increased at 35 per cent - also 35 years after the heart attack. If the patient underwent bypass surgery following the heart attack, the risk was significantly greater as opposed to patients who underwent smaller surgeries like that pf balloon angioplasty.
There could also be a possibility that patients who are offered bypass surgery already have more serious circulatory and atherosclerotic problems and hence an increased risk of vascular dementia than patients who are referred to a balloon angioplasty, said the researchers.
Heart is inarguably the most important organ of the body, and calls for a constant tending and attention. Here are some heart-friendly foods that you must include in your diet for a healthy heart.
1. Oats: Oats are known to contain a type of fiber that helps bind bile acids and expel them from the body. These bile acids are made from cholesterol. A diet that includes oats is effective in lowering the cholesterol levels in our body.
2. Nuts: Munching on a handful of nuts can do wonders for your heart. These nuts have high amounts of unsaturated fats that are good for your heart as they help in reducing the inflammation of the arteries.
3. Legumes: Legumes are great for the heart and have antioxidants, proteins and fiber. They are also a great source to get your folate requirement from and also help in increasing the platelet activity.
4. Berries: Berries are full of heart-healthy phytonutrients and lots of soluble fiber. Make a quick smoothie or sprinkle them over your breakfast cereal.
5. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and phytoestogens and all of these help in boosting heart health. It is best to soak or grind flaxseeds before consuming them to derive maximum health benefits.
Load up on these foods and keep the risks of heart ailments and strokes at bay!