Ways to Prevent a Heart Attack
Five Ways to Prevent a Heart Attack
Myocardial Infarction or as it’s commonly known, heart attack, is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the US. We know a lot more today about preventing heart attacks than we did decades ago. Even so, many with risk factors still remain vulnerable.
I will give you five ways to prevent or prevent your risk of a heart attack.
Way #1:Control Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It’s earned the nickname “silent killer”. High blood pressure causes excess strain and damage. This damage leads to narrowed heart arteries. As the damage progresses, the heart arteries harden and become more stiff. This increases your blood pressure.
Way #2 Control Your Cholesterol
High cholesterol can clog your arteries.This clogging of arteries with cholesterol is called atherosclerosis. If you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the arteries are also narrowed and damaged in addition to being clogged with fat.
At this point, you are a heart attack “time bomb” waiting to explode. You may start to experience chest pains as an early warning.
Way #3 Control Your Weight
Many people understand that being overweight and obese is related to heart disease. Here are three reasons why:
- Obesity can lower the good (HDL) and raise the bad (LDL) cholesterol
- Obesity can cause your blood pressure to rise
- Obesity can lead to diabetes. Diabetes on it own is an independent risk factor for heart attacks.
Way #4 Get Regular Exercise
Exercise has many benefits including improving your circulation and strengthening your heart.
Exercise can help improve both your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Exercise helps to reduce stress.
Exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight.
Related Take your first step with an easy to start exercise program.
Way #5 Learn Way to Manage Stress
Stress is linked to heart attacks and heart disease.
Chronic stress exposes you to high stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
Stress also changes the way blood clots and increases your risk of heart attacks.
Here a few ways to help you manage stress:
- Keep a positive attitude
- Set limits appropriately and learn to say “no” to requests that will add excessive stress
- Accept that there are events outside of your control
- Learn to manage your time effectively
- Make time for hobbies, interests and relaxation
- Learn and practice relaxation techniques
Reference: https://medlineplus.gov/howtopreventheartdisease.html
