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What You Can Do To Prevent A Heart Attack

by — Last updated: 2014-07-14 in Cardiovascular Disorders and Diseases

Table of Contents

Heart attacks don't just happen to men, but women do tend to experience different symptoms. Recognizing them could make the difference between life and death. Learn more about heart attack symptoms in women and preventative steps you can undertake.

Being able to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack can make the difference between life and death. Many women aren't aware that a heart attack is more than a very remote possibility for them. Many heart attacks can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Now that you're aware that heart attacks can and do kill women on a regular basis, it's time to go over those lifestyle choices that lower your risk. 

A Healthy Diet

A heart-healthy diet should include whole-grains and multi-grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids (avocado, olive oil, flax seeds, fatty fish). A healthy diet isn't just about what you do eat, though. It's also about what you don't. You already know what you should be avoiding — fried foods, high-fat processed meats, sugary foods, saturated oils, margerine and shortening. Now that you are more aware that women can have heart attacks too, you just need to grab the opportunity and take a critical look at your diet. 

Exercise Regularly

Increase your cardiovascular health by committing to regular physical activity. That means every day, at least 30 minutes a day. That's a minimum, not a maximum. By exercising every day, women reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by 30 to 40 percent. Physical activity also helps maintain a healthy blood pressure, improves your circulation, and keeps your weight under control. 

Regular exercise comes with indirect benefits as well. Working out relieves stress, and stress is another heart attack risk factor.

If you're currently smoking, you should definitely quit if you want to improve your cardiovascular health. Exercise is a great way to take your mind off your former addiction. 

Stop Smoking

Did you know that smoking a packet of cigarettes a day doubles your risk of having a heart attack? Right — smoking doesn't "just" give you a chance of lung cancer at some point in the future! You could die from your nasty habit right now.  Don't think that you can continue smoking now because you're already doomed anyway. The good news is that your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke starts to come down right after you quit smoking. Within a year, that risk can drop by as much as half. If you are a smoker, commit to stopping. 

See Also: How to prevent the heart attack?

Find Out If You're At Risk

Find out more about the state of your cardiovascular health by getting a medical checkup. You want to check:

  • Your blood pressure
  • Your blood glucose levels
  • Your blood lipids

If you have high blood pressure, raised blood glucose, or elevated cholesterol and lipid levels, management and treatment plans can help you bring down your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.