Losing one kilogram of fat might sound like a simple goal, but behind that number lies serious effort and a significant calorie deficit.

To shed one kilogram of fat, you need to burn between 7,000 and 7,700 calories – depending on the composition and water content of your fat tissue, according to Slobodna Dalmacija.

How Many Calories Do Different Activities Burn?

It’s not easy to lose a kilogram of fat.

Of course, calorie burn depends on gender, age, body weight, and exercise intensity.

For a person weighing 70 kilograms, the approximate calories burned per hour are:

Walking (5 km/h) – 330 to 370 kcal

Fast walking (6–8 km/h) – about 500 kcal

Walking uphill – 400 to 700 kcal

Running (10 km/h) – 700 to 800 kcal

Running up stairs – up to 819 kcal

Cycling (15–20 km/h) – about 500 kcal

Faster cycling (22–25 km/h) – up to 735 kcal

Swimming (at a fast pace) – about 590 kcal

Hiking – about 438 kcal

Jump rope – up to 861 kcal

How Much Exercise Is Needed to Lose One Kilogram?

If we consider an average of 7,000 calories, that would mean you need to:

• walk for 20 hours at a moderate pace
• run for 9 to 10 hours
• cycle for around 14 hours
• swim for 12 hours

Of course, it’s not advisable to do all of that at once – neither physically nor mentally.

Exercise should last up to two hours per day, and beginners should start with 30 minutes and gradually increase the duration.

The Best Approach: A Combination of Diet and Movement

Experts recommend combining reduced calorie intake with increased physical activity. For example, if you eat 500 fewer calories per day and burn an additional 500 through movement, you could lose about one kilogram of fat in a week.

The key is consistency, smart planning, and small daily steps. Instead of chasing miracles in three days, focus on a sustainable rhythm – and results will follow.

If you want to protect your heart health and prevent high blood pressure in older age, it's crucial to stay physically active – not only in youth but also during middle age.

According to a comprehensive study involving more than 5,000 people across four U.S. cities, social factors can significantly affect one’s ability to exercise regularly, especially as they age.

"Teenagers and people in their early twenties are often physically active, but those habits change over time," said epidemiologist Kirsten Bibins-Domingo of the University of California, San Francisco, author of the study published in 2021 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, as reported by Science Alert.

While it is known that physical activity lowers blood pressure, the results of this study show that maintaining higher levels of activity during youth – higher than currently recommended – plays a key role in preventing hypertension.

Blood Pressure – The Silent Killer

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious health condition that affects billions of people worldwide and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even dementia in later years.

According to the World Health Organization, more than a quarter of men and about a fifth of women have high blood pressure – and most are unaware of it. That’s why hypertension is often called the “silent killer.”

The good news, however, is that the situation can be reversed – and physical activity is the main focus of this research.

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What Did the Study Show?

More than 5,100 adults participated in the study, which tracked their health over three decades through physical exams and questionnaires about habits – from exercise to smoking and alcohol consumption.

For all participants, physical activity began to decline between the ages of 18 and 40, while hypertension rates gradually increased.

The authors emphasize that youth is a critical period for intervention and prevention – with health promotion programs that encourage physical activity.

"Almost half of the young adults in our study did not reach the recommended levels of activity, and this was associated with the later development of hypertension. This indicates we need to raise the minimum physical activity standards," said lead author Dr. Jason Nagata.

Researchers specifically analyzed a group that exercised at least five hours per week in youth – twice the current recommendation – and found that this level of activity significantly reduced the risk of high blood pressure, especially if those habits were maintained into the 60s.

"Achieving at least double the physical activity recommended by current guidelines may have a greater effect on preventing hypertension than merely meeting the minimum," the study states.

Not Easy to Stay on Track

However, the authors acknowledge that it's not easy to maintain regular physical activity throughout all life stages – especially after high school, when college, employment, or parenting begins, and free time becomes limited.

Another important observation relates to racial group differences. By age 40, physical activity levels among white individuals stabilized, while they continued to decline among Black men and women.

By age 45, Black women had a higher percentage of hypertension than white men, while white women had the lowest rates through middle age. By age 60, 80–90% of Black men and women had high blood pressure, compared to just under 70% of white men and about 50% of white women.

Although the study did not directly measure social and economic conditions, the authors stress that these factors – such as education, environment, family, and work obligations – can significantly influence whether someone maintains physical activity throughout life.

"Although young Black men often participate in sports, social and economic factors, as well as responsibilities, often prevent them from continuing this into adulthood," concludes Dr. Nagata.

The study was published in the journal American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Allergic asthma is a disease that can occur at any time of the year.

Spring used to be the "exclusive" season for allergies, but ragweed has disrupted this narrative. Since it blooms from July until the first cold winter days, it is now at the top of the list of "promoters" of allergic asthma, even in the autumn period.

What is asthma, really?

Asthma occurs due to the narrowing (called spasm or obstruction) of the airways. A complex reaction takes place on the mucous membrane lining the bronchi and bronchioles (these are the small and medium airways) between allergens (currently pollen) and cells that produce substances responsible for allergic reactions. These are mediators ("intermediaries") of the allergic reaction and lead to the narrowing of the bronchial pathways—writes the portal Biti roditelj.

Bronchial obstruction occurs partly due to the contraction (spasm) of the circular muscle in the bronchiolar wall but also due to excessive secretion of bronchial mucus. The result is difficulty in airflow during inhalation and exhalation.

Is asthma a hereditary disease?

Yes, but it can also occur in children whose parents do not have asthma!

Allergic asthma occurs in children predisposed to allergic diseases, which is professionally referred to as an atopic constitution. Therefore, it is not asthma that is inherited, but rather the predisposition to allergic diseases, with asthma being just one of them. Usually, close family members have some form of allergic disease (though nowadays, it is hard to find a family without allergies).

A child has a runny nose due to ragweed—can this "descend" to the bronchi?

Although the mechanism is very similar, these are two different diseases. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an upper respiratory tract disease, while asthma affects the small and medium—i.e., the lower respiratory tract.

Allergic rhinitis does not "descend" to the bronchi, as is sometimes mistakenly thought! This, of course, does not mean that a child cannot have both diseases—they can, but in that case, it is an allergic reaction occurring in different parts of the respiratory tract.

Can an infection contribute to an asthma attack?

Yes, it can!

This often happens in children with allergic asthma and almost always in children suffering from non-allergic asthma. It is known that many viruses attacking the respiratory organs (respiratory viruses) trigger the chain of production and release of mediators—substances that lead to bronchial obstruction. Unfortunately, autumn viruses are already "raging," which is another reason for the increased frequency of asthma in the autumn period.

How to recognize allergic asthma in a child?

When a child has a typical asthma attack, it is easy to suspect the condition. The child breathes rapidly and with difficulty, wheezes, and coughs, often persistently and for a long time. The attack usually starts suddenly, so the child quickly ends up at the pediatrician.

Milder forms of allergic asthma sometimes "slip through," and the diagnosis is made only after investigating prolonged and bothersome coughing. Usually, infectious causes are ruled out first, revealing that the child has an undetected allergy with occasional bronchial obstruction episodes.

How is the diagnosis made?

In typical cases, any well-trained pediatrician can diagnose childhood asthma.

However, this does not mean the asthma is allergic. Therefore, the child is referred to an allergist for testing to determine whether an allergy exists. There are also tests to assess lung function (spirometry) in children, which can detect hidden asthma. These tests are routine, can be performed quickly, and when asthma is suspected, the path to diagnosis is usually short.

How is an asthma attack treated?

There are two main therapeutic goals: the first is to suppress the acute asthma attack, and the second is to prevent new attacks. Treatment is administered by a pediatrician, and sometimes an asthmatic child must be under the supervision of a subspecialist, such as a pulmonologist or allergist. Self-initiated use of asthma medications can be very dangerous!

Treatment of an acute asthma attack relies on bronchodilators—medications that widen the airways—which are most effective when inhaled. The prototype of this drug is salbutamol (Ventolin, Spalmotil, Aloprol…), most commonly used in children.

Are "hormonal" preparations dangerous?

Most children feel significantly better after inhaling bronchodilators. If inhalation therapy is ineffective (even after multiple repetitions), it indicates a more severe asthma attack. In such cases, the child must receive "stronger" medications—corticosteroid (hormonal) preparations, usually administered orally (if the child's condition allows) or via injections. Many parents have an unjustified fear of these medications. However, when used to treat an asthma attack, they have very mild and temporary side effects, making them a "therapeutic cornerstone" for treating serious asthma attacks.

In addition to dreaded injections, a combination of bronchodilators and corticosteroids can be administered via inhalation, especially in older children. Increasingly, younger patients are also prescribed inhaled corticosteroids to manage asthma attacks, of course alongside bronchodilators. Naturally, this therapy is supervised by the pediatrician monitoring the child.

How to prevent asthma attacks from recurring?

Prophylactic therapy primarily aims to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks or lessen their severity if they do occur. Indications for prophylaxis are determined by the pediatrician (sometimes with the help of a pulmonologist) monitoring the asthmatic child!

The best prevention is eliminating the cause (allergen) triggering asthma. For the vast majority of children allergic to ragweed, this is nearly impossible, as this pest has spread incredibly! Therefore, it is important to enable the child to live a normal life.

We will briefly describe the two most commonly used groups of medications for preventing (prophylaxis of) this disease.

- Inhaled corticosteroids

These medications have revolutionized the treatment of childhood asthma. They are safe and beneficial drugs, pharmacologically designed to act on the bronchial mucous membrane with minimal systemic absorption.

Prophylaxis is long-term, with the first effects appearing only after several weeks of therapy. Parents must be patient and prepared for months-long (often longer) treatment.

- Leukotriene inhibitors

Leukotrienes are also mediators of allergic reactions and are powerful "constrictors" of the respiratory tract. These drugs (Montelukast and others) are administered orally, and numerous studies confirm their efficacy. They have proven particularly effective in children with exercise-induced asthma, though they are increasingly used for other forms of the disease.

Can a child play sports?

Yes!

When allergic asthma is detected and treated early—with regular monitoring—the child can lead a healthy and high-quality life. Once lung function stabilizes, the child can participate in all usual activities, including competitive sports.

An ideal sport is swimming (and other "water" sports), but with good disease control, the vast majority of children can engage in the sport they love most. Of course, regular check-ups with a sports doctor and the pediatrician treating the child are essential.

There are many asthmatics who are Olympic and world champions in all sports disciplines.

The liver, our amazing chemical processor, has an exceptional ability to regenerate, but it still has its limits.

We often hear the phrase "alcohol is poison for the liver," but few people actually think about how long it takes this vital organ to recover after a few drinks.

The liver, our incredible chemical processor, has an exceptional ability to regenerate, but still, it has its limits. Have you ever wondered how much time your liver needs to recover after a night out? Or after a period of regular alcohol consumption?

The Liver – the "Factory" of Our Body

The liver is one of the most important organs in our body and is rightly called the "factory of the organism." It is involved in more than 500 different metabolic processes crucial for our health and survival. When we eat any food, it is first broken down in the intestines, and then the nutrients travel directly to the liver for further processing – reports N1.

During this process, the liver directs all ingredients through different metabolic pathways, creating proteins which are the building blocks of our body. Additionally, the liver filters blood, regulates blood sugar levels, produces bile necessary for digesting fats, stores vitamins and minerals, and of course, breaks down toxins – including alcohol.

What Happens in the Body When We Drink Alcohol?

When we drink an alcoholic beverage, about 25% of the alcohol is immediately absorbed through the stomach directly into the bloodstream. The rest travels through the small intestine and eventually reaches the liver for processing. The liver breaks down most of the alcohol into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which is actually more toxic than the alcohol itself. Then, another liver enzyme breaks down acetaldehyde.

The speed of alcohol absorption depends on several factors:

The alcohol concentration (stronger drinks are absorbed faster)
Whether the drink is carbonated (champagne is absorbed faster than non-carbonated drinks)
Whether the stomach is full or empty (food slows absorption)

Men have about 70 to 80% more alcohol-degrading enzymes than women, allowing them to metabolize alcohol more efficiently. Also, greater muscle mass and different fluid distribution in the male body means alcohol circulates over a larger surface area than in women.

Timeframe for Liver Recovery from Alcohol

But how long does it really take the liver to recover from alcohol? The answer varies depending on the amount of alcohol and frequency of consumption.

Recovery After One Drink

The liver can break down roughly one unit of alcohol per hour. One unit of alcohol is approximately a small beer, a glass of wine, or a shot of spirits. That means if you’ve had two glasses of wine, your liver will need about two to three hours to fully metabolize the alcohol in your system.

Recovery After Heavy Drinking

After a night of excessive drinking, the liver may need much more time to recover – usually 24 to 48 hours. During this period, the liver works overtime to eliminate toxins, which leads to familiar hangover symptoms: headache, dehydration, nausea, and fatigue.

Recovery After Regular Consumption

If you regularly consume alcohol over an extended period, your liver may need several weeks or even months to fully recover. Constant alcohol exposure leads to fat buildup in liver cells (fatty liver), which can cause inflammation and eventually more serious damage.

The Myth of Liver Detox

It’s important to note that there is no miraculous cure or supplement that can "detoxify" or "cleanse" your liver. Many products on the market claim to help detox the liver, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

The liver is itself a detox organ, and the best way to support it is to give it time to do its job without additional strain. There’s no evidence that whey, turmeric, or other supplements improve liver function. Your body already has a highly efficient detoxification system.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Liver diseases are often "silent killers" because they rarely cause symptoms in the early stages. The liver can become fatty and slightly enlarged, and then the fat begins to cause inflammation. Over 15–20 years, that inflammation can lead to scarring and eventually cirrhosis, when the liver is irreversibly damaged.

However, the good news is that the liver has an incredible ability to regenerate. If it’s only fatty or slightly inflamed, it can recover with appropriate lifestyle changes. That’s why it’s important to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about your liver health.

Tips for Protecting the Liver from Alcohol

Don't Drink Every Day

Hepatologists recommend having at least two or three alcohol-free days per week. Ideally, these days should be consecutive to allow the liver to rest and recover properly.

Stick to Recommended Limits

Safe alcohol limits according to experts are around six medium (175 ml) glasses of wine or six pints of beer with 4% alcohol spread over three days. But what is considered excessive varies depending on genetics and body weight.

Drink Coffee

Interestingly, coffee can be beneficial for the liver. Studies show that one to two cups of coffee daily help prevent liver scarring, as coffee acts as an antifibrotic that prevents scar tissue formation.

Never Drink on an Empty Stomach

Drinking on an empty stomach allows alcohol to quickly enter the bloodstream, causing rapid intoxication and liver overload. Eating while drinking slows down alcohol absorption by keeping it in the stomach longer.

Avoid Binge Drinking

There is no way to speed up alcohol metabolism or avoid a hangover. Remember that hangovers get worse with age, as the activity of alcohol-degrading enzymes decreases as we get older.

Obesity and the Liver – Similar Effects as Alcohol

Interestingly, being overweight and alcohol consumption cause similar liver changes. Weight loss is the best way to address fatty liver related to metabolic dysfunction (previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).

Exercise can help improve liver health by moving fat from the liver into the bloodstream and muscles. Simply being more active – 20 minutes of walking daily and using stairs instead of elevators – can make a significant difference.

Not Just Alcohol – Smoking Also Damages the Liver

If you need another reason to quit smoking, know that it also negatively affects the liver. Smoking accelerates liver scarring (fibrosis), and the combination of smoking and alcohol is especially harmful. Studies show that smokers who drink alcohol have a higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis than those who only drink.

Long-Term Approach Instead of Quick Fixes

Many people follow the practice of a "dry" month without alcohol after holidays or overindulgence. While it's good to give your liver a break, in general, it’s much better to drink moderately throughout the year than to swing from one extreme to another.

The positive side of a "dry" month is that it proves life can function without alcohol, which may help reduce overall annual alcohol intake. That is certainly beneficial for general health.

Remember, the liver is a remarkably resilient organ, but it has its limits. Giving the liver enough time to recover between drinking episodes is key to maintaining its long-term health. Instead of looking for quick fixes or miracle detoxes, focus on moderation, regular alcohol-free days, and a healthy lifestyle.

Your liver is an incredible "factory" working nonstop to keep you healthy. Give it the care and respect it deserves, and it will reward you with years of reliable function.

Changes in cognitive abilities are often attributed to normal aging, so many people fail to recognize early signs of neurodegenerative diseases.

However, doctors warn that neglected symptoms can delay diagnosis and reduce the chances of slowing disease progression.

One of the most commonly overlooked symptoms is not forgetfulness, but something much quieter – yet equally important – reports B92.

Neurologist Dr. Adel Aziz explains that apathy – the loss of motivation and reduced interest in daily activities – is one of the earliest, yet often unrecognized signs of dementia, especially frontotemporal dementia.

"A person who used to organize social gatherings or frequently call friends simply stops showing interest," says Dr. Aziz for Parade. Such behavior is often misinterpreted as fatigue, shyness, or a desire for solitude, which is why it goes unnoticed.

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Neurology emphasizes that apathy can result from changes in the parts of the brain responsible for motivation, as well as external factors such as feelings of hopelessness.

Apathy Alone Does Not Necessarily Mean a Person Has Dementia

Neurologist Dr. Daniel Leslie points out: "People may feel useless or like a burden, so everything seems like too much effort."

Besides being an early sign of dementia, apathy is also associated with faster cognitive decline because people avoid activities that maintain mental health – such as socializing, exercising, and quality sleep.

According to neurologist Dr. Catherine Amodeo, apathetic behavior includes losing interest in things that once brought joy, neglecting personal hygiene, or reduced attention to responsibilities.

Still, it is important to know that apathy alone does not necessarily mean someone has dementia – it can also be a sign of depression or other conditions, such as exhaustion or low self-esteem.

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If other symptoms such as changes in memory, speech, and mood are noticed, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

"You deserve support for your mental health," concludes Dr. Amodeo.

Scalp massage is the fastest and most effective way to achieve mental relaxation – two psychologists explain why and how to get the maximum benefits.

“Scalp massage is particularly effective in promoting psychological well-being and mental relaxation,” says Silvia Dal Ben, a psychoanalytically oriented psychologist and clinical director of the online psychological service Unobravo in Spain.

This technique goes beyond traditional scalp care and hair growth stimulation – it has a direct impact on the nervous system and can quickly reduce stress levels. Moreover, it represents one of the most complete self-care experiences, as it involves the body, mind, and emotions.

What Is a Scalp Massage

Scalp massage is a practice that consists of gentle movements and pressure – with fingers or special tools – over the entire area of the scalp where hair follicles are located. In addition to improving microcirculation and promoting hair health, this technique is considered an effective method for achieving relaxation and stress reduction, with positive effects on depression and anxiety.

Why Scalp Massage Has a Relaxing Effect

“When we physically and emotionally dedicate time to our head, the whole body feels it. It’s a way to reconnect with ourselves, slow down, and remember that mental well-being is the foundation of health,” says psychologist Laura Villanueva.

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This effect also has a clear scientific explanation, adds Dal Ben. “The scalp is one of the regions with the highest concentration of nerve endings in the entire body. This means that massage in this area induces an immediate feeling of pleasure and deep relaxation. Stimulating these nerve endings activates blood circulation, relieves muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, and most importantly – reduces cortisol, the stress hormone,” she explains.

According to Villanueva, the key to the effectiveness of scalp massage lies in its action on the parasympathetic nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve – the cranial nerve that stimulates calm, relaxation, rest, digestion, and energy storage.

“By acting on the scalp, not only is physical tension relieved, but psychological mechanisms associated with comfort and safety are activated,” explains the expert. She particularly emphasizes the emotional dimension of hair touch.

“As children, we are often caressed on the head. That’s why scalp massage evokes feelings of tenderness and care. When our hair is touched with attention and gentleness, cortisol levels drop, and mood improves,” Villanueva notes.

What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Scalp Massage

The benefits of scalp massage for psychological well-being can be summarized as follows:

Reduces stress: activates the body’s physiological relaxation response and lowers cortisol levels.

Improves mood: during the massage, the brain releases endorphins, the neurotransmitters known as “happiness hormones.”

Enhances emotional well-being: provides a sense of comfort and safety, helping to relieve anxiety and depression.

How to Massage the Scalp

There are several techniques for performing a scalp massage. Here are some of the most common:

Scalp Massage Techniques

Circular movements: use your fingertips to make gentle circular motions across the scalp with light pressure.

Zigzag movements: move your fingers back and forth across the scalp following a zigzag pattern.

Pressure with fingertips: apply gentle pressure with your fingertips on different points of the scalp, holding the pressure for a few seconds on each point.

Tapping: use your fingertips to lightly tap the scalp.

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How to Make Scalp Massage Even More Effective

To maximize the positive effects of scalp massage, Villanueva recommends the following:

Choose the right time: don’t rush – massage when you have time and can be fully present in the moment.

Massage for at least 5 minutes: for the massage to be truly effective, it should last at least 5 minutes.

Use oil: applying hair oil before the massage makes the experience more pleasant and relaxing.

Be gentle: avoid too much pressure to prevent scalp irritation.

What’s Better: Body Massage or Scalp Massage?

Does scalp massage have a more relaxing effect than a traditional body massage? According to Silvia Dal Ben, there is no single answer: “Each type of massage has its own purpose. For example, body massage is great for relaxing muscles and relieving tension. The advantage of scalp massage is that it directly affects psychological stress and mental well-being. That’s why it can be more effective when the goal is to quickly calm the mind,” she explains.

Another important benefit is its practicality: you can easily perform a scalp massage at home using just your fingertips or tools like a massage brush.

“It’s one of the simplest and most accessible ways to incorporate emotional well-being into your daily routine,” concludes Dal Ben, as reported by Zadovoljna.rs.

Bananas are full of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients essential for our body. They are a true energy bomb, providing all the energy needed for daily activities.

But do you know what happens if you eat one in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water?

That’s when its superpowers significantly increase. In addition to being healthy (they help regulate blood pressure, are nutritious, strengthen bones, and are a good cancer prevention), eating them with a glass of warm water can also help you lose weight more easily – reports Direktno.rs.

This way, bananas speed up metabolism and stimulate digestion. Warm water (it doesn’t have to be very hot, just about body temperature) helps the fibers from the fruit digest more easily, and it’s not as unpleasant to drink a glass of lukewarm water as it is cold water on an empty stomach.

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If you combine this first meal with a healthy diet throughout the day, moderate exercise, and even more moderate alcohol consumption, you’ll see results quickly.

Additionally, it gives a feeling of fullness, so you won’t get hungry quickly, and it also prevents the absorption of carbohydrates, which is crucial for fat burning.

It’s important to eat the banana and drink the water slowly, and not to eat anything else for at least half an hour afterward.

Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, are responsible for over 17 million deaths annually.

Although heart attack symptoms in men and women often overlap, there are subtle yet important differences that can affect early recognition and treatment, emphasizes Prof. Dr. Arsen Ristić, cardiologist.

"In most patients, there are no major differences in symptoms, especially in mass diseases. However, there are specific characteristics related to women, particularly during the reproductive period. During this time, women are less prone to myocardial infarction because hormones slow down the process of atherosclerosis," explains Prof. Dr. Arsen Ristić, Vice Dean at the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade - reports B92.

Myocardial infarction, known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to obstruction in one or more coronary arteries. Without oxygen and nutrients, part of the heart begins to die, and the longer the blood flow is cut off, the greater the damage.

Everything Changes After Menopause

After menopause, the risk of cardiovascular diseases in women increases significantly – so much that they often reach or exceed the risk level of men.

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"There was a case of a 37-year-old woman who suffered a severe heart attack. Her symptoms were unusual – she felt chest pain which she interpreted as a shoulder sprain due to physical exertion. As a result, she ignored the symptoms for hours. Only 12 hours after the first symptoms appeared, the correct diagnosis – a heart attack – was made."

According to the source for Kurir, 50% of her heart muscle’s circulation was lost due to delayed reaction.

"The patient had several serious risk factors: elevated blood fats, obesity, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, and she was a smoker. When these factors appear together, the risk of heart attack is not just cumulative – it multiplies," added Prof. Dr. Ristić.

Most Common Heart Attack Symptoms:

• Chest pain – Intense pressure, tightness, or burning in the center of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes or recurring
• Pain radiating to the left arm, shoulders, jaw, neck, or back
• Shortness of breath – Trouble breathing, even at rest
• Cold sweat – Sudden and profuse sweating for no obvious reason
• Nausea or vomiting – More common in women
• Dizziness or fainting – Possible loss of consciousness
• Sudden weakness and fatigue – Feeling exhausted without effort

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Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

In women, heart attack symptoms are often atypical. Instead of the classic chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw, more often they experience

• shortness of breath
• increased sweating, or
• nonspecific pains that many mistakenly interpret as rheumatic issues or fatigue.

Diagnosis Strategy Is the Same, but Women Seek Help Later

"There is no difference in diagnostic approach. The problem is that women, especially younger ones, are less likely to attend routine checkups and often underestimate the risk of heart disease. They usually visit a doctor when the condition has already progressed."

Preventive Measures – The Key to Reducing Risk

Prevention is most important, according to Prof. Ristić.

LDL cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol because it can accumulate in blood vessels and form plaques that narrow the arteries. High LDL levels increase the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. That’s why it's important to regularly check and maintain low LDL levels.

"You should monitor your blood fats, blood pressure, family history, smoking habits, and diabetes. There are online calculators available that anyone can use to calculate their cardiovascular risk. Based on that risk, target LDL levels are determined."

He emphasizes that there are no universal reference values for cholesterol, but individual target values:

• For healthy individuals: LDL & 2.6 mmol/L
• For moderate risk: LDL & 1.8 mmol/L
• After a heart attack: LDL & 1.4 mmol/L

"The lower the LDL cholesterol, the better. There is no dangerously low level of LDL. People often stop taking medication out of fear unnecessarily. On the other hand, good cholesterol can only be improved through physical activity, not with medications," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Ristić.

"Today we have medications administered only twice a year that reliably regulate cholesterol levels. Prevention and risk awareness are key to a healthy heart, regardless of gender," concludes Dr. Ristić.