Heart attacks are a leading cause of death worldwide, but there are effective ways to prevent them. Understanding the risk factors and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing a heart attack.
Understand Your Risks
Several factors can increase the risk of a heart attack, including:
Age: Older individuals have a higher risk.
High cholesterol levels: This can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar can damage blood vessels.
Family history: Genetics can play a role in heart disease.
High blood pressure: This puts extra strain on the heart.
Obesity: Excess weight increases the heart’s workload.
Tobacco use: Smoking damages the cardiovascular system.
Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect heart health.
Viral infection: Severe viral infections can lead to blood clots in your heart vessels and lead to heart attacks.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Risk
Quit Smoking Smoking cessation is one of the most significant steps you can take. Within a day of quitting, your risk starts to decrease.
Get Active Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. Even short bouts of activity can help improve heart health.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains in your diet. Limit saturated fats, salt, and sugar.
Maintain a Healthy Weight Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Work towards a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
Manage Stress Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a professional.
Control Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Regular check-ups with your doctor can help manage these levels through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.
Limit Alcohol Drink in moderation, as excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure and add extra calories.
Get Quality Sleep Sleep deprivation can lead to problems like obesity and high blood pressure, which are risk factors for a heart attack.
Treat Viral Infections Treat your viral infections properly and keep your inflammatory damage to minimum or it will lead to heart attacks.
Medical Management
If you have risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may recommend medications to help manage these conditions. These could include:
Aspirin: To reduce blood clotting.
Blood pressure medications: To keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs: To manage high cholesterol levels.
Summary
Preventing heart attacks is largely about making informed lifestyle choices. By understanding your risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, you can protect your heart and lead a healthier life. Remember, it’s never too late to start making changes that can have a positive impact on your heart health.
Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)
Internal Medicine Specialist
Kify Hospital
Danavaipeta
Rajahmundry
Phone : 85000 23456
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