The Heart, High Cholesterol, and Blood Circulation Issues / Question
Published: June 14, 2005
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have a few questions about heart attacks. Firstly, can heart pains be precursors to heart attacks? Can one have an idea of when a heart attack is coming? Second, has ephedrine or Ephedra been proven to be associated at all with heart attacks? Is there any proof (or even the possibility that laxatives are associated with heart attacks (including non-ephedrine laxatives)? Thanks.
Signed: ?'s About Heart Attacks
Dear ?'s About Heart Attacks,
Since this is a website for teenagers, let us be clear that heart attacks among teenagers are extremely rare. However, you have raised some interesting questions about drugs that could increase the risk of heart attack for someone of any age. Ephedra, the active ingredient in some weight loss products such as Stacker 2, is a stimulant that has been linked to heart problems. Also, regular laxative use/abuse can cause abnormalities in the blood electrolytes (minerals), which could result in arrthymias (disturbances in the heart rhythm) and even death.
TeenHealthFX feels strongly that people, especially teenagers should not use drugs like Stacker 2 and ephedrine-based products.
Heart attacks are caused by a blockage to the heart, which means the blood cannot flow and pump correctly. They can be sudden and intense or can start out slowly with some minor pain and discomfort. Here are some warning signs of a heart attack:
- Chest Pain - Usually in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Sometimes feels like pressure, squeezing and pain.
- Uncomfortable Feelings In Areas of Upper Body - In one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of Breath
- Rapid Pulse
- Other Signs - Feelings of sickness-cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
If someone you know is experiencing these signs get to a doctor or hospital immediately.
This is some very basis information on signs of a heart attack. For more information on the heart, heart disease or strokes check out the American Heart Association website.Signed: TeenHealthFX
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