Pain in the heart area

According to statistics, pain in the heart area is the most common reason for people to call the ambulance service. However, this symptom is often not a sign of a malfunction in the main muscle of the human body.

Diseases of the nerves, bones, joints and even the gastrointestinal tract - all this can be accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the chest area. The diagnosis is also complicated by the fact that the heart can hurt differently in different situations. Only a doctor can accurately determine what exactly caused the "punctures" or nagging pain. But how can you understand what exactly hurts, and should you sound the alarm?

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Often, pain in the heart area appears for one of these reasons:

• disruption of the nutrition of the heart muscle;
• disease of the cardiovascular system, the heart, its membranes and large vessels;
• as well as a whole range of other human diseases.

Pain in the heart area can also manifest itself under different circumstances: both after sports and physical overexertion, and in a state of complete rest.

If attacks of pain after physical exertion are concentrated in the area behind the breastbone, radiate to the lower jaw, neck, left arm and under the shoulder blade, and at the same time you feel pressure, squeezing or burning, you need to make an appointment with a cardiologist as soon as possible. Because it may be angina (one of the forms of ischemic heart disease).

When you have a cold, pain in the heart area may be a manifestation of a reaction to toxins of microbial origin. Or it may indicate endocarditis.

If pain in the heart area occurs at rest and is manifested by prolonged tingling or aching sensations in the left half of the chest, it is most likely nervous.

Unpleasant sensations on the left side of the chest that occur in young people may not be related to heart matters at all. The cause of pain during a deep breath or when swinging your arms may be problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Gastrointestinal diseases can also mimic heart pain. If your chest starts to ache after overeating, eating a lot of fatty and spicy food, or even on an empty stomach, you should not postpone a visit to a gastroenterologist or therapist. This may be a symptom of stomach ulcers, cholecystitis, gastritis, and pancreatitis.

Causes of pain in the heart area

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Pain in the heart area is one of the most alarming symptoms a person can experience. It can be a sign of serious heart problems and requires immediate attention and medical evaluation.

1. Coronary heart disease (CHD):

• Atherosclerosis and Plaque Formation: One of the main causes of coronary heart disease is atherosclerosis, in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances on their walls. This can lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which narrow the lumen of the vessels and limit the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle.
• Ischemia and angina: Reduced oxygen supply to the myocardium (heart muscle) due to atherosclerosis can cause ischemia, which leads to chest pain known as angina. The pain often occurs with physical activity or stress, when the heart's need for oxygen increases.
• Myocardial infarction: If an atherosclerotic plaque ruptures and forms a thrombus (clot) that completely blocks an artery, it can cause a myocardial infarction, or heart attack. This causes intense chest pain and can damage the heart muscle.

2. Pericarditis:

• Pericardial inflammation: The pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart. Its inflammation, or pericarditis, can cause heart pain. Causes of pericarditis can be infectious, inflammatory, or autoimmune.

3. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

• Myocardial thickening: This genetic disorder is characterized by thickening of the walls of the left ventricle, making the heart muscle less efficient. This can cause chest pain and other symptoms.

4. Inflammatory diseases of the heart:

• Rheumatic fever and endocarditis: Certain infections can cause inflammation of the heart, which can lead to heart pain and other serious consequences.

5. Stress and emotional factors:

• Activation of the stress response: Strong emotions, stress and anxiety can cause activation of the stress response, including an increase in heart rate and constriction of blood vessels, which can cause pain in the heart area.

Pain in the heart area can manifest itself in a wide variety of sensations: from short-term tingling in the chest to long-term, aching, squeezing pain and a feeling of suffocation.

Tell me how it hurts and you will find out what it is.

As we have already found out, all causes of pain in the heart area can be safely divided into two large groups: those that are related to the work of the main human muscle, and those that are not connected with it in any way.

The main "cardiac" causes of chest discomfort are myocardial infarction and angina pectoris.

According to the definition, myocardial infarction is one of the forms of ischemic heart disease. As a result of the discrepancy between the blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium) and its need for oxygen, its necrosis occurs. The reason for this, as a rule, is the blockage of the heart vessels. Long-term, more than half an hour of incessant pain in the heart area, which does not subside even after taking nitroglycerin and "radiates" to the left shoulder blade and arm is a clear sign of a heart attack. Another sign of this particular disease is cold, sticky sweat on the patient, rapid pulse, and sometimes shortness of breath. It is important to remember that the condition can worsen at any second. Arrhythmia and shock can cause death.

Another exclusively cardiac cause of chest discomfort is angina, the most common heart pain. It occurs due to restricted blood flow through the arteries. This is due to fatty plaques that restrict blood flow to the heart muscle. As a rule, an attack is preceded by physical exertion or stress. The pain, which lasts on average about a minute, is described by patients as squeezing or squeezing in the chest. In this case, the discomfort can also "radiate" to the shoulder, neck and left arm.

Also, such attacks can be caused by excessive food consumption and alcohol intoxication.

In addition, pain in the heart area may be a manifestation of inflammation of the pericardium - pericarditis. This disease is provoked by a viral infection. With pericarditis, the unpleasant sensations are sharp, stabbing in nature. It is possible that patients may also experience fever and malaise.

The cause of heart pain may also be aortic dissection. Such cases are quite rare, but they are still reported. As a rule, they occur after chest trauma or complications of arterial hypertension.

A doctor can accurately determine the cause of pain. But it is possible to at least approximately understand what the patient is dealing with by determining the nature of the pain.

Aching pain in the heart area

Hearts of all ages are subject to aching pain. Quite often, teenagers and women in menopause complain of them. The cause of this is hormonal imbalance. Therapy for such patients often consists of correcting nutrition, taking vitamin and mineral complexes, and frequent walks in the fresh air.

Meanwhile, as has already been said, it is the aching pain in the heart area, especially in cases where it appears after physical exertion, that can be a manifestation of angina pectoris.

Long-term aching pain in the heart area, which appears against the background of anxiety, can be a consequence of nervous breakdowns, autonomic dysfunction and depression.

The cause of aching sensations in the left side of the chest when taking a deep breath and turning the body sharply may also be due to "malfunctions" of the musculoskeletal system. This may be scoliosis or osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.

If unpleasant aching sensations in the heart area are associated with food intake, then most likely the matter is in the malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. And in this way gastritis, ulcers and pancreatitis can make themselves known.

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Stabbing pain in the heart area

Severe stabbing or cutting pain is a classic symptom of myocardial infarction. With it, the pain can "radiate" to the neck, back, shoulder and the entire left arm. However, stabbing pain is a sign of a heart attack only in about 12% of cases.

A stabbing pain in the heart area can also be caused by a coronary spasm, which should go away after taking 1-2 nitroglycerin tablets.

In addition, this type of pain is characteristic of pericarditis (inflammation of the serous membrane of the heart caused by viral, fungal or bacterial infections) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hypertrophy of the wall of the right or left ventricle of the heart).

Also, it is precisely the “punctures” in the heart area that often manifest the so-called cardiac neurosis. In this case, there are no problems with the main muscle of the human body. And stabbing pains are a manifestation of stress. At the same time, the pain has a clear localization. And, therefore, should not spread to other parts of the body. Cardiac neurosis is common among young people who regularly suffer from tonsillitis, frontal sinusitis, sinusitis or dental diseases.

Pressing pain in the heart area

It is the sudden pressing pain in the heart area that is a sign of angina. Discomfort is felt behind the rib cage and radiates to the neck, arm, shoulder blade, forearm... Unpleasant sensations can radiate to the arm up to the little finger. Pain with angina has a different character. Sometimes, in addition to the pressing, squeezing sensations of the entire rib cage, there is also a burning sensation, like heartburn.

Myocarditis, an infectious disease affecting the heart muscle, is characterized by pressing pains in the heart area and shortness of breath. The legs may also swell and the pulse may quicken. Myocarditis occurs as a complication of a cold.

A pressing pain in the heart area is typical for mitral valve prolapse (a heart defect in which the mitral valve flaps bend into the left atrium during contraction of the left ventricle).

Severe pain in the heart area

With vertebrogenic cardialgia, the patient feels quite strong and persistent pain in the heart area. This can be caused by osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine. In this case, the pain intensifies when changing body position. Such symptoms often resemble angina. The diagnosis can be confirmed or refuted by performing an MRI of the spine.

Another cause of severe pain in the left side of the chest can be shingles. This infection, caused by the herpes virus, affects the nerve endings.

Acute pain in the heart area

Acute pain in the heart area is typical of pericarditis. Pain may also be accompanied by fever and general malaise.

Acute pain in the chest, including the left side, increasing with coughing and even inhalation, may indicate pleurisy. Most often, it occurs as a consequence of pneumonia.

Burning pain in the heart area

A burning pain in the heart area is another sign of myocardial infarction. However, these sensations do not always indicate problems with the body's main muscle. And such a burning sensation can occur after eating excessively spicy food.

In addition, burning pain in the heart area is also found in neurosis. Such pain is usually short-lived and goes away after taking herbal infusions, such as valerian.

A nagging pain in the heart area

When a person has a myocardial disease, they may experience nagging and aching pains in the heart area. However, they should not be very intense.

Also, a nagging pain in the heart area can be a sign of thrombosis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, ischemic heart disease, and even indicate a pre-stroke condition.

In addition, a nagging pain in the heart area bothers patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, for example, with osteochondrosis. Similar sensations arise with inflammation of the shoulder-scapular joint. An important detail: in this case, the discomfort increases when moving the left hand.

Meanwhile, nagging pains in the heart area are often a sign of diseases of the stomach, intestines or pancreas. They can occur with chronic gastritis, ulcers, enterocolitis, colitis and pancreatitis. In some cases, nagging pains in the heart area can be associated with inflammatory processes in the bile ducts.

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To understand exactly why a person experiences pain in the heart area, he or she needs to undergo a thorough medical examination. Methods that can help determine the cause of discomfort:

• Electrocardiography (including stress ECG and Holter ECG monitoring).
• Blood test (during a myocardial infarction, heart cells are damaged. This leads to the release of certain enzymes. These are what the blood test should show).
• Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart, allows you to assess the condition of the muscles and valves).
• Electro-beam tomography (this method allows for the early detection of coronary heart disease).
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help determine the cause of chest pain if it is associated with pinched nerve roots or herniated discs.

If a person goes to a medical facility complaining of pain in the heart area, he will most likely have to consult a cardiologist, rheumatologist, neurologist, and possibly even a gastroenterologist.

To diagnose cardiac neurosis, it is necessary to carefully examine the cardiovascular system and exclude the presence of organic diseases (such as coronary heart disease, defect, myocarditis, and others), as well as pathological conditions of the respiratory system, digestion, etc.

Diagnosis of pain in the heart area

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The main rule is: doctors should diagnose and treat. Self-medication of heart pain, even if it is not related to the work of the main muscle of the body, is dangerous. After all, as has already been said: pain in the heart area is a symptom that can occur as a result of a huge number of different reasons. And the treatment, accordingly, will be very different. If you know your diagnosis, but the pain has caught you, several recipes will help relieve the attack.

If the pain catches you at home

A patient with angina should first of all be put to bed, given access to fresh air and called a doctor. It is necessary to give a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue and continue taking the drug until the pain completely subsides. If nitroglycerin is not available, validol can be given. It is desirable that the patient be delivered to the medical facility in a special vehicle. It is important not to forget: a prolonged attack of angina can lead to the death of a section of the myocardium - to a heart attack!

In case of myocardial infarction, the patient is "prescribed" strict bed rest with the exclusion of any movements. It is necessary to take nitroglycerin and analgin, if necessary - repeatedly. It will not hurt to lubricate the heart area with nitroglycerin ointment. Even a suspicion of a heart attack is an indication for mandatory hospitalization in a cardiology hospital. It is important that the patient is transported by special resuscitation transport. After all, the patient may need to undergo a set of resuscitation measures on the way.

In case of myocarditis, the patient must first be put to bed. Standard treatment regimen: 20-25 drops of cordiamine 3 times a day. In addition, one caffeine tablet also three times a day. But before treatment, it is imperative to consult a doctor. It is important to remember that failure to stay in bed can cause chronic heart failure in the future.

If you are experiencing pain in the heart area for the first time and do not know what exactly is causing this unpleasant sensation, then the main thing is not to worry. You can take 40 drops of valocordin (corvalol, validol). Provide yourself with peace. You can also take 1 tablet of aspirin and analgin. If after a quarter of an hour the pain in the heart area has not subsided, call a doctor.

Remember, nitroglycerin is a pretty serious remedy for heart pain. And if you are not sure that the discomfort was caused by the heart, it is not recommended to take it.

When treating the heart, due attention must be paid to nutrition. It is imperative to adhere to an anti-cholesterol diet. The basis of nutrition should be:

• Food with a fairly large amount of vegetables, fruits, dried fruits.
• Rye, whole grain or bran bread.
• Seafood.
• Chicken breasts, veal and other lean meats.
• Lean types of fish.
• Skim milk and dairy products.
• Nuts and seeds.
• Natural juices, berry fruit drinks, rosehip infusion.

When choosing products in stores, it is necessary to read the labels carefully. For people with heart problems, products with a high content of sodium, fat and cholesterol are contraindicated.

In case of cardiac neurosis, first aid usually consists of taking 25 drops of valocordin, valerian tincture or corvalol orally. It is advisable to take a sedative or sleeping pill at night. It is imperative to give up smoking and alcohol. In the future, treatment of cardiac neurosis should be aimed at eliminating the situation that traumatizes the psyche or at correcting the attitude towards it. In some cases, a course of treatment is prescribed using sedatives, beta-blockers, antidepressants. The scheme is selected strictly individually for each individual case.

Meanwhile, physiotherapy is also used to improve and restore the condition of the heart, central and autonomic nervous system.

The most studied application of physiotherapy is in so-called stable angina pectoris, post-infarction cardiosclerosis, and also in the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction. However, this method has a number of contraindications, for example, cardiac asthma, aneurysm of the heart and blood vessels.

The choice of the physiotherapy method directly depends on the degree of the cardiovascular system disorder. In case of stable angina, myocardial infarction, and after aortocoronary bypass surgery, I use the electrosleep method. Patients with the same diagnoses are also "prescribed" galvanotherapy or electrophoresis, in particular on the collar area and the heart area.

Magnetic therapy (low-frequency magnetic field) helps reduce platelet aggregation and improve microcirculation. This allows it to be used in the treatment of patients with stable angina

Low-energy laser radiation is used for ischemic heart disease. Balneotherapeutic procedures are also used for stable angina. General carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, radon, sodium chloride and other types of mineral baths are used. The treatment regimen is approximately as follows: baths are used every other day (from the second half of the treatment course), the duration is 10-12 minutes. The course duration is 10-12 baths.

Hydrotherapy is also used in the form of contrast baths and therapeutic showers, including underwater shower massage. The benefits of water treatments, as a rule, are manifested in a decrease in oxygen consumption for the heart, eliminating coronary-metabolic imbalance.

Balneotherapy and hydrotherapy are also used for the rehabilitation of patients with painless ischemic heart disease and cardiosclerosis, which can manifest itself as heart failure and heart rhythm disturbances.

However, the most effective method of treating certain types of heart defects and coronary heart disease, at least today, is cardiac surgery.

Of course, surgical intervention is used only when conservative treatment methods no longer help, and the patient's condition worsens. Also, untimely treatment of the patient to the doctor can lead to heart surgery. In such cases, surgical intervention is often the only option for help.

One type of surgical intervention for coronary heart disease is angioplasty and stenting of the coronary arteries. This method is designed to eliminate blood flow obstructions by widening the artery from the inside.

The method of aortocoronary bypass consists of creating a new path for blood flow bypassing the affected section of the coronary vessel using shunts - pieces of arteries or veins taken from the patient himself. This method can prevent myocardial infarction.

In addition, open heart surgeries are performed to install valve prostheses. As well as plastic surgery of ventricular septal defects. Doctors dare to transplant a heart in extremely critical cases.

Treatment of pain in the heart area with folk methods

Heart pain can have different causes, and it is important to make sure that it is not related to serious medical problems, such as heart disease, before using natural treatments. If you have or have recurring heart pain, be sure to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and determination of the cause of the pain.

If the pain in the heart area is caused by stress, tension or muscle tension, some folk methods can help relieve the discomfort. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical examination and treatment. Here are some folk methods that can be useful for relieving tension and stress:

Relaxation and deep breathing

Relaxation and deep breathing can be helpful strategies for relieving pain or discomfort in the heart area, especially if the pain is related to tension, stress, or anxiety. Here's how you can use relaxation and deep breathing to relieve symptoms:

1. Set yourself up for relaxation:

   • Find a quiet place where you can be alone and will not be disturbed.
   • Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
   • Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing.

2. Deep breathing:

   • Begin to breathe slowly and deeply through your nose. Your stomach should expand, not your chest.
   • Focus on each inhale and exhale. Try inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for the same count.
   • Continue breathing slowly and evenly for several minutes.

3. Visualization:

   • While breathing deeply, imagine a place or environment that you associate with peace and relaxation. This could be a natural setting, a calm lake, or even your own home.
   • Visualize yourself in this place, feeling peace and tranquility.

4. Positive affirmations:

   • While relaxing and breathing, say positive affirmations out loud or in your mind. For example, "I feel calm" or "My heart is healthy and strong."

5. Meditation:

   • Consider practicing meditation to improve your ability to relax and manage stress.

Relaxation and deep breathing can help reduce physical tension and anxiety, which can improve your well-being. However, if you have severe heart pain or other symptoms that bother you, consult a doctor for a more detailed examination and consultation. These methods do not replace professional medical intervention in case of serious heart problems.

Warm compresses

Help relax the muscles in the chest area with warm compresses. For example, you can use a hot water bottle or mustard plasters.

Warm compresses can be helpful in relieving tension and discomfort in the chest area, which may be due to muscle tension, stress, or even poor posture. However, it is very important to make sure that the pain in the heart area is not caused by a serious medical condition before using warm compresses. If you suspect a heart problem or if your chest pain is accompanied by other serious symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.

If you want to try warm compresses, follow these steps:

1. Prepare a warm compress: You can use a hot water bottle, a heating pad, a warm towel, or a special heating pad (such as flaxseed or oatmeal) heated in the microwave. Make sure the compress is not too hot to avoid burns.
2. Place a compress on the chest area: Place a warm compress on the chest area where you feel pain or tension. Do not leave the compress on the skin without supervision and do not leave it on for too long to avoid burns.
3. Leave the compress on for a while: Leave the compress on the chest area for a few minutes (usually 15-20 minutes). If you feel uncomfortable or if the skin starts to become red or irritated, remove the compress.
4. Repeat as needed: You can repeat the warm compress procedure if it helps you relieve tension and discomfort.

Remember that warm compresses can be effective in relieving chest discomfort, but they do not address the underlying cause of the pain. If your heart pain continues or worsens, be sure to consult your doctor for a more detailed assessment of your condition.

Herbal teas

Some herbal teas, such as lemon balm tea, lemon balm and mint tea, or lavender tea, can help relieve stress and tension.

If you are feeling tense, stressed or nervous, some herbal teas may help you relax and relieve tension. However, you should always consider your individual reaction to herbal ingredients and consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions or medications, to avoid possible interactions.

Some of the herbal teas that can help relieve tension and stress include:

1. Melissa (Lemon Balm) Tea: Melissa is known for its calming properties and can help you relax and relieve nervous tension.
2. Passionflower Tea: Passionflower also has calming properties and can help with stress and anxiety.
3. Valerian Tea: Valerian may help improve sleep quality and relieve stress.
4. Lavender Tea: Lavender has relaxing properties and can help relieve stress and tension.
5. Camomille Tea: Camomille tea is known for its calming effects and can help with nervousness.

Before using any herbal teas to relieve stress, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor or herbalist to ensure that they are safe for you and will not cause unwanted side effects. Keep in mind that herbal teas can be helpful, but are not always the only way to manage stress and tension, and sometimes professional help or psychological support is needed.

Honey and honey wraps

Honey is known for its soothing properties. You can try consuming honey or applying it to your chest area and leaving it for some time and then washing it off.

Light massage

A gentle massage of the chest area can help relax the muscles and reduce tension, which can be helpful if you have pain or discomfort in the heart area caused by tension or stress. However, it is important to remember that a heart massage should not be intense and should not be used if you have serious health problems related to the heart.

Here's how to perform a light massage of the chest area:

1. Preparation: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position where you feel relaxed. Make sure your chest and neck area are fully accessible.
2. Pumping: Gently pump the skin of the chest area up and down using light, circular movements of your palms. The pressure should be light and comfortable. This will help improve blood circulation in the area and relax the muscles.
3. Neck massage: You can also gently massage your neck and shoulders, as tension in these areas is often associated with heart pain. Use gentle movements to relax the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
4. Deep Breathing: While massaging the chest and neck area, continue to breathe deeply and slowly. Deep breathing helps to enhance the relaxation effect.
5. Stop if Painful: If the massage causes pain or increases discomfort, stop immediately and consult a doctor. Never massage the heart area if there is severe pain in this area without medical advice.

Massage of the chest area can be part of a relaxing routine to relieve stress and tension, but it should be used with caution and only in situations where there are no serious medical contraindications. In case of heart pain or other serious symptoms, always consult a doctor for professional advice and evaluation.

Abstraction

Try to distract yourself from pain and stress by doing your favorite hobbies, listening to music, or reading a book.

Hot bath

A hot bath can be a pleasant way to relax and relieve general tension and stress, which can help relieve chest discomfort. However, as with warm compresses, it is important to make sure that your heart pain is not related to a serious medical problem before using this method. If you have concerns about your heart pain or if it is accompanied by other serious symptoms, consult a doctor.

If you decide to take a hot bath, follow these guidelines:

1. The right temperature: Make sure the water in your bath is a comfortable temperature. It should be warm, but not hot, to avoid overheating.
2. Bath duration: Do not soak in the bath for more than 15-20 minutes. Staying in hot water for too long can cause dehydration, which can worsen the condition.
3. Total Relaxation: While you are in the bath, allow yourself to completely relax. Close your eyes, drink a glass of water and listen to calming music or meditation.
4. Care when exiting the bath: Step out of the bath carefully and ensure you get a good night's sleep after the procedure.
5. Pay attention to how you feel: If you experience new or worsening symptoms while taking a hot bath, seek medical attention.

It should be noted that hot baths are not a treatment for serious heart problems and are intended more for general relaxation and stress relief. If you have chronic heart pain issues or are under the care of a doctor for this, discuss the possibility of taking hot baths with them before using this method.

Again, remember that it is important to consider that heart pain can be associated with serious illnesses, and self-diagnosis and self-treatment can be dangerous. If you are concerned about heart pain or if it lasts for a long time, consult a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leader in the list of causes of death of people. And one of the reasons for this, without exaggeration, disaster is our culinary preferences. There are simple dietary rules, following which you can reduce to zero the risk of heart disease in the future. The main thing is not to eat foods that increase the risk of heart disease. And these are:

• fried foods, fatty sauces and mayonnaise.
• salt and hot spices.
• fatty meat, meat products with a lot of salt (bacon, ham, sausages, smoked meats).
• smoked and salted fish, fish sticks and canned food.
• soups and quick main courses.
• pickled vegetables.
• chips, nuts and crackers with salt.
• fatty whole milk, sour cream, creams.
• rich dough, confectionery with a lot of sugar.
• alcoholic drinks, beer, sweet carbonated drinks.

Fish is a good heart protector. It should be included in the diet at least five times a week. This will help strengthen the heart and improve memory. When choosing, it is better to give preference to mackerel, herring, sardine, trout, salmon and perch.

Olive oil helps remove cholesterol from the body.

In addition, at least once every six months, you need to be examined by a cardiologist. Lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise (in moderation) and avoid nervous tension and various stressful situations. And remember that no matter what the nature and duration of pain in the heart area, you cannot ignore it.