Lifestyle modification for Heart Attack and Prevention

If not the biggest, a poor lifestyle is surely one of the biggest contributors to heart attacks. Your lifestyle is all you have to prevent or lower the risks of a possible heart attack. Hence, committing to a healthy lifestyle can make a difference.

However, the question is, where does one start? What are the possible lifestyle practices one can follow to minimize his/her chances of a heart attack? In this blog, we’ll try to answer such questions and provide you with some lifestyle recommendations.

But, first, let’s understand what is exactly a heart attack?

 

What is a Heart attack? 

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart either stops or is reduced immensely. This mostly happens due to atherosclerosis. In this, the arteries get narrow down due to a build-up of plaque. This plaque then prevents the flow of blood, which, in turn, also stops the supply of oxygen.

It can lead to either severe harm or even death.

 

Symptoms of heart attack

If you experience any heart attack symptoms mentioned down below, seek medical aid immediately. 

1.Discomfort in both the arms
2.Jaw, neck, back or stomach pain
3.Difficulty in breathing, accompanied by chest pain
4.Palpitations
5.Nausea 

The symptoms in women are generally subtler, like:

1.Dizziness
2.Fainting
3.Severe fatigue
4.Pain in the upper abdomen

 

Lifestyle modification for preventing Heart attacks 

A healthy lifestyle is accompanied by a variety of healthy habits. While factors like family history and age can’t be changed, certain risk factors can be reduced with optimal lifestyle changes. 

Furthermore, with every lifestyle change you commit to, your health also gets a major boost. 

Check out some of the best lifestyle changes which you must practice to lower the possibility of a heart attack. 

 

1.Cope up with your stress: Stress puts strain on your heart. This increases the chances of cardiovascular disease. People under high stress may begin smoking, start overeating, or consume more alcohol. 

 

If you remain under severe stress, then you must start exercising. When people exercise, they start to feel the endorphins, causing them to feel healthier both physically and mentally. Also, exercise lowers the peril of death after a heart attack.

 Furthermore, along with exercise, practising meditation and engaging in spiritual activity can also lessen your stress levels.

 

2.Balance your weight: Extreme weights on both sides is one of the foremost reasons for heart failure. People suffering from anorexia (extreme underweight) results in complications such as low blood pressure, unsafe heart rhythms, and unevenness in electrolytes, whose optimal functioning is crucial for sustaining a normal heartbeat. 

 

 Whereas, obesity (extreme more weight) can boost the heart attack chances even if you do not have any other risks. Moreover, obese people tend to develop health issues such as diabetes or height cholesterol, both of which also increases heart attack possibilities.

 

3.Select healthy nutrition: The best weapon you can utilise to fight off cardiovascular disease; a nutritious diet. The type and amount of food you consume can help you control various health aspects like cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure and weight. 

 

Pick a diet that contains nutrients such as vitamins, proteins, fibre, minerals, etc. Your diet must focus on the intake of fruits, vegetables (especially green ones), whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, legumes, and nuts. At the same time, intake of sweets, red meat, sugar beverages, fast food, etc.

 

4.Lower your alcohol intake: Excessive consumption of alcohol is related to an increase in blood pressure, stroke, irregular heartbeats, increased cardiomyopathy, all of which can lead to heart disease.

 

 

5.Exercise daily: Committing yourself to at least 20 minutes per day of exercise can prove to be extremely advantageous in balancing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight levels. 

 

 Various researches have concluded that people who have achieved even moderate fitness levels have much less chances of heart failure in comparison to individuals with low fitness levels. If you are a newcomer, then begin a slow exercise drive.

 Put yourself in activities such as running, brisk walking, biking, running, and other aerobic activities.

 

6.Manage diabetes: Diabetes is one such health issue that can trigger a chain of other medical conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These conditions can also develop the risk of heart disease. 

 

Controlling diabetes is significant to manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, and optimal weight, which, in turn, can prevent you from a heart attack.

Irrespective of where you are at in terms of your heart well-being, you can start implementing healthier lifestyle changes. Start today and plan a healthier diet plan, a daily exercise routine, and book an appointment with a specialist to get assistance for balancing your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. 

Schedule your appointment here