7 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of a Heart Attack
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A healthy lifestyle and appropriate medical care can reduce the risk of a heart attack, but cannot remove it completely. This is general information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan.
Seven Risk-Reduction Steps
- Stop smoking. Ask a clinician about support if quitting is difficult.
- Check blood pressure. High blood pressure needs assessment and, sometimes, medicine. Ask what target is appropriate for you.
- Discuss cholesterol. A clinician can assess your risk and whether testing or treatment is needed.
- Be active regularly. Walking, swimming and dancing are possible options. Seek advice about suitable activity if you have heart disease or symptoms.
- Eat a balanced diet. Include vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans. Limit salt and foods high in saturated fat.
- Manage weight and diabetes. Work with a qualified professional where you need support.
- Avoid heavy drinking and follow prescribed treatment. Do not stop heart or blood-pressure medicine without medical advice.
Symptoms That Need Urgent Help
Chest pressure or squeezing, pain spreading to an arm, neck or jaw, breathlessness, sweating or feeling sick can indicate a heart attack.
Warning: Seek emergency medical help immediately for suspected heart attack symptoms. Do not wait for a lifestyle change to work or drive yourself to hospital.
