In this video, we see the aftermath of a fatal myocardial infarction (MI – heart attack) which led to a ventricular free wall rupture. This is one of the most lethal complications of an acute MI. Patients are at risk for this complication three to fourteen days after their initial heart attack. This rupture is caused by the combination of our white blood cells (macrophages) eating away at the heart’s dead muscle cells; weakening of the heart’s muscles due to ischemia (lack of oxygen), and the heart’s inability to contract efficiently (pumping ability reduced due to scarring). This decline in contractility, the force at which blood is ejected from the heart, leads to accumulation of blood in the heart, resulting in higher end diastolic volume with a decline in stroke volume. This combination of events leads to increased pressure causing the heart to tear from the inside out. Since heart disease (HD) is the number one cause of death in the U.S., learning the strategies to prevent HD is essential in preventing a heart attack. One of the simplest ways to improve heart health is by increasing your fruit and vegetable intake. It is recommended you ingest nine servings; about two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables every day. If you are like me, nine servings seems like it would take me all day to eat. Therefore every morning, I blend all nine servings and drink them.
Here is my personal ingredients to a delicious breakfast smoothie:
1. Two and a half cups of organic kale and spinach.
2. One banana
3. One and a half cups of mixed organic berries (blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries).
4. Half cup of organic coconut water.
5. Blend and chug your way to better heart health.
Written by: Student Doctor Navpreet Singh Badesha
