A dad finally conquered Ben Nevis after suffering a heart attack on his first attempt in 2020.
Despite being a walker and not thinking that there was a problem with his fitness, Trevor Botwood had to be rushed to hospital after collapsing on the Scotland's tallest mountain.
People who are conscious of their health may be wondering about the risk factors of heart attacks - as some are more well-known than others.
Trevor has since reached the peak with Courtney Ferguson - who saved his life by performing CPR until emergency workers arrived on the climber's first attempt.
Bricklayer Trevor, 63, was fitted with three stents but has been building his fitness back up and recovering, which has allowed him to successfully summit the UK's highest peak.
He now recommends walking to everyone for its positive effects on mental health on top of the fitness benefits.
For those who are unsure, here are some key factors that may increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) which could lead to a heart attack.
Risk factors
According to Scotland's NHS Inform, factors that may increase your chances of suffering a heart attack are as follows:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol level
- diabetes
- smoking
- not getting enough exercise
- being overweight
- drinking too much alcohol
- unhealthy diet
- drug misuse
- genetic factors
- ethnicity
Many risk factors are lifestyle choices which can be changed however in the case of genetic factors and ethnicity it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle that reduces any additional risk wherever possible.
African, Afro-Caribbean and People of South Asian descent are at higher risk of conditions which could lead to CHD and heart attacks.
NHS Inform say that those who are at higher risk should make sure their doctor is carries out a cardiovascular risk assessment on you to help find out any specific risk factors.
Reducing risks
You can reduce heart attack risks through a healthy lifestyle which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
The NHS suggests that you should add foods from all food groups into your diet – this includes carbohydrates, proteins, dairy products, fruit and vegetables.
They add that the heart itself is a muscle and it needs exercise to stay strong. From climbing and cycling to more relaxing activities like Tai chi, there are a range of exercises that NHS Inform suggests.
The amount of exercise you do will depend on your level of fitness, but you will be able to build up over time, as Trevor did when he made it to the top of Ben Nevis. There is also age-specific exercise guidance that you can find here.
On top of cutting down on alcohol, smoking and drugs (or cutting them out altogether where possible), a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise may also help with related conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
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