At 11 PM, the sound of an ambulance echoed through the quiet night, rushing a 65-year-old man, Mr. Wang, with a pale face and shortness of breath, to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with an acute heart attack. Despite their best efforts to resuscitate him, it was too late—his death was confirmed.

Such heart attacks can occur due to various reasons, including drinking certain types of beverages before bed. Health experts have issued warnings, particularly to those in middle age or older, about four drinks to avoid before sleep:

1. Cold Water
   During the summer, many people enjoy drinking cold water after a meal to cool down. However, this habit can cause blood vessels to constrict rapidly, which can trigger a heart attack.

2. Strong Tea
   Some people like to drink strong tea before bed, but it contains caffeine and theobromine, substances that can strain the heart. This is especially risky for those with heart conditions, as drinking strong tea before sleep can elevate heart stress and lead to a heart attack.

3. Coffee
   
   Coffee is high in caffeine, which can stimulate the brain, especially for those with cardiovascular or neurological issues. It’s best to avoid drinking coffee within two hours of bedtime to reduce the risk of over-stimulation and heart strain.

4. Fruit Juice Before Bed
   Fruit juice, rich in fructose, can increase blood sugar levels, which may contribute to cardiovascular issues, especially before sleep. Drinking such beverages before bedtime can also cause discomfort and strain the body.

5. Extremely Hot or Cold Drinks
   The lining of the esophagus can tolerate temperatures of around 40°C (104°F), but consuming drinks that are too hot or too cold can irritate this area. Repeated irritation can cause inflammation, and in severe cases, lead to esophageal ulcers or damage.

Drinking beverages that are either too hot or too cold before bed can also irritate the mouth and throat lining, potentially leading to sores or ulcers. Additionally, such habits can disrupt sleep, raising the risk of sudden death due to cardiovascular events.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Before a heart attack occurs, the body often sends out warning signals. However, these signs can sometimes go unnoticed.

• Warning Sign 1: Chest pain and difficulty breathing. Before a heart attack, the patient may feel a pressure-like sensation in the chest, often radiating to the left arm or other areas. This pain may be accompanied by shortness of breath.

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are effective strategies to prevent heart attacks. Smoking damages blood vessels, increases cholesterol levels, and encourages the formation of blood clots, all of which increase the risk of a heart attack.

Moreover, balancing work and rest is crucial. Overworking can elevate the risk of heart disease, and maintaining a positive mindset is also beneficial for heart health.

Heart attacks occur when the heart muscle is deprived of sufficient blood, often caused by blockages in the arteries. Older adults are at a higher risk due to the natural aging of blood vessels, which leads to narrowed arteries and less efficient blood flow to the heart. Furthermore, conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can contribute to the damage of the heart and blood vessels.

Older individuals are also more prone to bone fractures, which can impact blood circulation to the heart, further increasing the risk of a heart attack.