At 11 PM, the wail of an ambulance's siren pierced through the otherwise silent atmosphere. Wang, 65 years old, with a pale face, was rushed into the ambulance for emergency transport to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with acute myocardial infarction. Despite their best efforts to revive him from the brink of death, all attempts proved futile, and he passed away.

While myocardial infarction can occur due to various causes, doctors have issued warnings about certain types of drinks that should be avoided, especially before sleep, particularly for individuals of advanced age. These include:

1. Drinking Ice-Cold Water

During summer, many people enjoy drinking ice-cold water after meals to cool down. However, drinking very cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict suddenly, which is one of the factors that can trigger a heart attack.

2. Drinking Strong Tea

Some people like to drink strong tea before bed. However, strong tea contains caffeine and theobromine, substances that can stimulate the heart. This can be particularly dangerous for those with heart conditions, as drinking strong tea before sleep can increase heart strain and lead to a heart attack.

3. Drinking Coffee

Coffee contains caffeine, which can stimulate the brain and, in some cases, lead to excessive heart strain. Therefore, individuals with cardiovascular or brain conditions should avoid drinking coffee at least two hours before bedtime.

4. Drinking Fruit Juice Before Bed

Fruit juice contains fructose, which can raise blood sugar levels and potentially cause cardiovascular problems.

5. Avoid Drinking Very Hot or Very Cold Beverages at Night

The mucous membrane of the esophagus can tolerate temperatures of around 40°C, but drinking extremely hot or cold beverages can irritate the esophagus. Prolonged irritation can lead to inflammation, and in severe cases, it may cause esophageal cancer.

Drinking very hot or very cold water before bed can also irritate the oral mucosa. If the mucosa is damaged over time, it can lead to mouth ulcers, esophageal ulcers, and other problems.

Additionally, drinking excessive amounts of liquid before bed may cause you to wake up during the night, increasing the risk of a sudden death due to a heart attack. Therefore, it’s best to avoid drinking very hot or cold water before bed.

Signs to Recognize Before a Heart Attack Occurs

Before a heart attack happens, the body typically sends out several warning signals. However, these signs are not always easy to detect.

• Sign 1: Chest Pain and Difficulty Breathing

Before a heart attack, a person may feel a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, along with difficulty breathing. The pain is often centered in the middle of the chest or behind the sternum and may radiate to the left arm, neck, and other areas.

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are effective measures to prevent a heart attack. Smoking damages blood vessels, increases cholesterol levels in the blood, and facilitates the formation of blood clots, which can block coronary arteries.

Moreover, it is crucial to maintain a balance between work and rest. Overworking can increase the risk of heart disease. Also, don't forget to stay mentally calm and optimistic, as a healthy mindset also contributes to heart protection.

Myocardial infarction is a condition where the heart muscle dies due to insufficient blood supply, which is an acute cardiovascular disease that can threaten a person’s life. Older adults are at a higher risk for this condition due to their overall health status.

Many older individuals suffer from conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which negatively affect the heart and can lead to inadequate blood flow. As people age, their blood vessels gradually become less elastic, making them more susceptible to damage and atherosclerosis, which narrows blood vessels, affecting the heart's ability to receive adequate blood. When the heart is deprived of blood, it can lead to a heart attack.

Additionally, older adults are more likely to develop conditions like osteoporosis, which weakens the bones and indirectly affects the blood supply to the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack.