The health-related behavior of myocardial infarction patients before the onset of the disease

Abstrakt

The more important risk factors for myocardial infarction include high cholesterol; the presence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity; the practice of smoking and consumption of alcohol in excessive quantities; being stressed, as well as inherited genetic factors. Of these factors, the majority are, or are influenced by life-style choices, hence can be prevented. The purpose of the study was to analyze the attitude of patients towards their health before the onset of myocardial infarction. The survey covered 268 patients staying at the rehabilitation department of a spa hospital in Nałęczów, Poland. The results of the survey reveal that in the lifestyles of the surveyed, the dominating attitude to health was not conducive to the strengthening of good health: most of the surveyed indulged excessively in alcohol consumption, were heavy smokers of cigarettes, undertook little physical activity, practiced an improper diet, were overweight and faced stressful situations. These negative behaviors were significantly statistically more often found among young people, men, and people with lower education levels. The results of the survey indicate that a healthy lifestyle should be promoted from an early age. Moreover, beyond providing education, those concerned with the betterment of public health should be stressing the benefits of proper health-related attitudes and behaviors.