10 Ways You Can Help Prevent a Heart Attack

Few weeks ago, I attended a seminar , organized by WHO (World Health Organization) and the issue of the fast killer disease “Heart Attack” was trashed.
If we look at  this our present world, we all know that sudden death has been so common and most times the sources of the death have not been known. Many have termed some cases as spiritual, why others to some diseases, but this is as a result of heart failure because people have being ignorant of the way to prevent Heart Attack. These are the 10 sure ways to prevent the occurrence of heart failure.
      Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the world. For those over 65 years of age, the risk is even greater: eight out of ten people who die of heart disease are 65 or older. Although these statistics sound dire, take heart: With these strategies, you can help your loved ones reduce their risk -- and reduce your own at the same time.

1. Know the early warning signs and seek treatment
Some typical symptoms of a heart attack include:
• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations (skipped beats or a racing or pounding heart)
• Leg swelling
• Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
• A prolonged, unexplained cough
• Coughing up blood
• Persistent fatigue or feeling unwell
• Passing out
But sometimes the symptoms aren't so obvious. The pain of a heart attack may feel like really bad heartburn, which some often think they reacted to a kind of food. “Here me out- really bad; am not saying all heartburns are heat attack symptoms, but some”. And the symptoms of a second heart attack may not be the same as those for the first. If you or someone close to you has already had a heart attack, don't hesitate to seek emergency medical treatment at the first sign of possible trouble.

2. Talk to the doctor about medications that might increase risk.
Be inquisitive when doctor prescribes drugs for you, because there are some medications that enhances or increase the risk of heart attack. Examples are: Hormone replacement therapy, rosiglitazone (for diabetes), and COX-2 inhibitors (for controlling arthritis pain) are all examples of medications that may increase the risk of heart attack.

3. Control blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack. If your loved one has been diagnosed with prehypertension (120/80 mm Hg to 139/89 mm Hg) or hypertension (140/90 mm Hg or higher), his blood pressure should be treated and his blood pressure needs regular monitoring.

4. Keep "bad" cholesterol levels low.
Another major risk factors for heart attack is a high bloodstream level of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol.some people re found of eating too much fats and oil. Ideally, total cholesterol should be no more than 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), and no more than five times the level of HDL or "good" cholesterol; LDL levels should be below 70 mg/dL.

5. Make sure diabetes is under control. Three out of four people with diabetes will eventually die of some type of heart or blood vessel disease. But by keeping blood sugar under control and taking any recommended medications, a diabetic can reduce his risk.

6. Follow a heart-healthy diet.
You don’t have to eat everything hat comes your way,. The best bet is a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, lean meats, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. A good rule of thumb: Limit daily intake of fat (total fat between 25 and 35 percent of daily calories. Women should consume no more than one alcoholic beverage per day, men no more than two. And all adults should each eat 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber every day.

7. Ensure regular exercise.
Exercise is essential for general cardiovascular health and is key to preventing a heart attack. But how much exercise is enough? The (CFDC) Centers for Disease Control recommend accumulating at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least five days a week on most days.. Just parking farther away from the store and walking the extra distance, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can quickly add up. But before beginning any exercise program, be sure to talk to a doctor about any restrictions.

8. Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for heart disease. The best way to determine whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate body mass index, or BMI. You can calculate BMI. People with a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 are considered overweight; people with a BMI of 30.0 or greater are considered obese. If you or someone close to you meets either of these criteria, talk to a doctor about setting safe weight-loss goals. The best way to lose weight is by limiting calories and increasing activity.

9. Stop smoking.
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart attack. If you smoke, quitting can reduce risk of heart attack by 50 percent or more. But recognize that stopping smoking isn't easy. Here are a few ways you can help those close to you:
• Ask them what they think would make it easier for them. They may have suggestions you haven't thought of.
• Encourage them to talk about their feelings and what they're going through. Smoking may be a comforting lifelong habit; let them mourn a little.
• You may be tempted to nag or yell if they slip up, but it's more effective to remind them that you love them no matter what. Be positive and encouraging -- and vent your frustration to a friend instead.
• Help them avoid situations that trigger the desire for a smoke. If they're used to enjoying a cigarette after meals, try going for a short walk outside instead.
• Be understanding as they go through withdrawal symptoms. Try not to take it personally if they're especially irritable, short-tempered, and tired.
• Quit smoking yourself. If you must smoke, don't smoke around your loved ones. Not only will it make quitting more difficult for them, but the secondhand smoke will increase their risk of heart attack.
If your loved ones find it too difficult to quit on their own, talk to their doctor. Nicotine replacement therapy.

10. Manage your stress and depression.
Your loved ones' emotional and psychological state can have a very vast effect on their physical health. An important aspect of maintaining good cardiovascular health and avoiding heart attack is minimizing stress, anger, and depression. If one of your parents live alone, for example, he or she may feel disconnected and alone. Had an experience of a family friend and he later died Encourage him or her to get out, make new friends, or simply engage in stimulating activities. A local church or community center is an excellent place to connect with other older adults.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner