It is very important for each individual to learn how to prevent a heart attack. Why? In the United States over a million people have a heart attack each year, half die, and some suffer permanent heart damage as a result. Given that so many people suffer and die from heart attacks each year it is vital to know how to prevent a heart attack and maintain a healthy heart. Learn what healthy heart habits reduce the risk of a heart attack and the devastating effects that go along with it.
Lowering blood cholesterol can prevent a heart attack. Eating foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol increases blood cholesterol. Limiting the amount of fat and cholesterol you intake can prevent a heart attack and promote a healthy heart. Having a high intake of fat can cause fat to settle in your arteries. When your arteries are blocked it can cause a heart attack or stroke. Retain a healthy heart with wholesome foods that don’t raise blood cholesterol and block arteries.
Making nutritious foods part of your everyday lifestyle can help to prevent a heart attack. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contribute to a healthy heart. These are foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Chicken, fish, and beans are good sources of protein that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It is better to eat poultry without the skin because the skin doubles the amount of fat and saturated fat content. Olive and safflower oil are some good vegetable oils to cook with because they are high in monounsaturated fat. Extra-virgin olive oil has a low smoke point so it is best not to use it for cooking, but in recipes that requires oil as an ingredient and to make salad dressing.
Establish a healthy heart and prevent a heart attack with physical activity. It is best to get at least 30 minutes of exercise or some kind of physical activity no less than five days of the week. Physical activity helps to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure. It is important for your blood pressure to be at a proper level because it can increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease, which can cause a heart attack. Moderate exercise contributes to a healthy heart and helps to lessen your chances of an early death.
Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol to prevent a heart attack. If you smoke cigarettes you increase the risk of getting a heart attack or having a second attack if you have outlived one. When you stop smoking the possibility of a heart attack decreases dramatically after a year. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause or worsen high blood pressure. It can also damage heart muscles and cause a number of other health problems. Avoiding smoking and drinking too much alcohol can help you to acquire and maintain a healthy heart.
If you want to prevent a heart attack you must take care of your heart. Start and continue making choices to promote a healthy heart. Combine proper nutrition, physical activity, and other habits that contribute to a healthy heart to greatly improve your health and reduce the risk of an attack. Teach your family how to prevent a heart attack with a healthy lifestyle. Your family may enjoy a longer and healthier life.
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Source:
www.heart.org