Preventing A Heart Attack What You Should Know! ​​​​​​​

- Dr Vinod K. Abichandani

Heart health matters!

Heart disease may be a leading cause of death, but the good news, however, is that 80 per cent of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable. While one cannot modify some of the risk factors such as family history, sex or age, there are some key steps to prevent heart disease that one can always implement successfully.

A healthy diet, regular physical activity and not using tobacco products are the key to prevent a heart attack. Eating a healthy diet can reduce the the risk of heart disease. Two examples of heart-healthy food plans include the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet plan and the Mediterranean diet.

It is also necessary to periodically check and control risk factors for heart disease and strokes such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels or Diabetes. Preventive steps mentioned hereon also detail on ways to lead a lifestyle with a lower risk of heart attacks.

Don't smoke or use tobacco

Smoking or consuming tobacco of any kind is one of the most important risk factors for developing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries due to plaque build-up (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack.

Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke replaces the oxygen in one's blood. This increases blood pressure and heart rate by forcing the heart to work harder to supply adequate oxygen.

Women who smoke and take birth control pills are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke than those who don't smoke or take birth control pills, as both the factors can increase the risk of blood clots.