8 Major Heartbreakers

Blood Clot

Illustrated by Echo Medical Media

Cause: Plaque that has built up along artery walls breaks away because of a rupture, stress, or inflammation. These pieces of plaque (clots) enter the bloodstream.

Prevention: Lower the amount of cholesterol in your diet, exercise, and don’t smoke. If you have an elevated cholesterol level, treat it with medication.

If untreated: Clots can stop blood flow, which can cause a heart attack. Even if there is no heart stoppage, clots can lead to heart disease.

Remedies: Blood thinners, such as low-dose aspirin or the drugs warfarin (sold as Coumadin) and Heparin, help prevent clots from forming.

Cutting edge: Anti-inflammatory drugs that will reduce the likelihood of clots continue to be on the horizon. Cardiologists have found that the sooner a clogged artery is opened, the better, so they’re acting as quickly as they can in emergency-room situations.