Effective Ways to Lower Your Risk of a Heart Attack

Updated on September 11, 2020

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Did you know that coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease in the United States? Coronary heart disease occurs slowly over time, and it is the main cause of heart attacks. About one million Americans have heart attacks every year. You shouldn’t be part of these statistics. Below are things you can do to lower your risk of a heart attack. 

Lower your blood pressure

High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors of heart disease. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly. If your blood pressure is high, you should take steps to reduce it, including lifestyle changes. If you experience fatigue, headache, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and irregular heartbeat, you see a doctor straight away. These could be signs of an impending heart attack. A delayed heart attack diagnosis or misdiagnosis can be fatal. According to seattlemalpracticelawyers.com, over ten thousand cases are not properly diagnosed, leading to unnecessary deaths. 

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity and being overweight can increase your chances of a heart attack. This is because they are associated with other heart disease risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. Watching your weight helps to lower these risks. If you are overweight or obese, start by eating fewer calories. You can also consult your health care team about a weight loss plan. 

Stop smoking

If you’re a regular smoker, quitting is in your best interest. Smoking raises your blood pressure, increasing your chances of getting a heart or stroke. There are no safe tobacco products. Don’t substitute one tobacco product for another. If you can’t quit on yourself, seek professional advice. 

Exercise

Being physically active every day is the best way to remain healthy, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent diseases. Studies have indicated that about two and a half hours every week of moderate-intensity physical activity helps to lower cholesterol, maintain a healthy weight, and lower blood pressure. 

Manage diabetes

Diabetes increases your risk of diabetic heart disease. This is mainly because, in the long run, high blood sugar from diabetes can ruin your blood vessels and nerves that control your blood vessels and heart. Get tested for diabetes, and if you have it, learn to manage it. 

Eat a healthy diet

Avoid added sugars, saturated fats, and foods, processed meats, and foods high in sodium. Instead, center your diet plan around legumes, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, nuts, fish, and lean animal proteins. 

Manage stress

Stress is a major risk factor for heart disease. It can raise your blood sugar, and extreme stress can trigger a heart attack. Additionally, common methods of coping with stress, such as drinking alcohol, smoking, and overeating, are not good for your heart. Some healthy ways to cope with stress include swimming, exercise, and meditation. 

Conclusion

Leading a healthy life is the best way to prevent or delay many brain and heart diseases. This implies being physically active, eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and managing conditions that can put you at a higher risk. 

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