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How to reduce risk of heart attack
Considering the rising number of heart attack cases, people need to be more vigilant about their dietary and lifestyle habits. Make healthy changes to reduce the risk as far as possible.
1. Eat a heart-friendly diet
First of all, eat the amount of food you need, not what your taste buds desire. A cheat meal is welcome once in a while, but it can’t be your diet! When it comes to a heart friendly diet, choose foods which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, go for whole grains, add more fruits and veggies to your plate, give saturated fat (which can lead to bad cholesterol) a miss, and if you ought to have dairy products, go for the low-fat variety.
2. Exercise, but know your limits
There is no denying that regular exercise is one of the most vital building blocks of good health. But over exercising may not be the smartest thing to do. As per the American Heart Association, at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise can be helpful to maintain overall health. Extreme exercise training can, however, put a person at a risk of heart-related complications and rhythm disorders.
3. Watch your weight
Obesity is the root cause of conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep disorders, asthma, and more, which can lead to heart ailments. If you are overweight, it can lead to fatty material buildup in your arteries, which are the route for blood vessels to transport blood to your organs. Now if that route is jammed, it can lead to a heart attack.
4. Sleep well
Your body needs its time to rest. Getting sound sleep is essential to recharge your battery for another day. But if you try to keep pushing the body on a low charge, one day it will give up. So, ensure that you get at least 6-7 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily.
5. Reduce stress
As per a group of Harvard University researchers, stress could be a risk factor as high as smoking or high blood pressure, notes the British Heart Foundation. A study found that constant stress can lead to increased activity in a certain part of the brain linked to processing emotions. This has been associated with a higher risk of heart diseases. So, reduce stress and improve your emotional health for your heart’s sake, please!
