HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEART ATTACK
by Niru Prasad MD, FAAP, FACEP
Department of Emergency Medicine Henry Ford Hospital-West Bloomfield Center
Department of Pediatrics and Urgent Care Center
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital-Pontiac
You can reduce the risk of heart attack by following these preventive measures.
1. Blood Pressure
High blood pressure damages the arteries throughout your body
leading to plaque formation which predisposes to heart
attack and stroke. High blood pressure can be hereditary for
which nothing can be done. However, the risk can be reduced by:
a. Limiting alcohol intake
b. Reducing salt intake
c. weight control
d. Reducing stress by exercise and relaxation
e. Seeking medical help if blood pressure is
over 140/90 on several occasions
2. Cholesterol Level
A total cholesterol level above 240 with elevated low density
lipoprotein increases the risk of heart attack. The high
density lipoprotein circulating through the blood vessels
prevents clot formation and keeps arteries clear. Some
preventive measures to reduce cholesterol are:
a. Limiting saturated fat found in meats
and dairy products and replacing with
monosaturated fat such as canola and
olive oils
b. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables,
beans and grain
If your cholesterol level is consistently high, seek medical
help for cholesterol-reducing medication.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes, both Type 1 (insulin-dependent) and Type II (non
insulin-dependent), predisposes you to heart attack by damaging
the arteries. The risk can be reduced by controlling blood
sugar with diet control, exercise, weight loss and
medications like insulin or hypoglycemic agent.
4. Smoking
Smoking cigarettes and tobacco causes damage to the blood
vessels by constriction and reduces the blood supply to your
heart and lungs, increasing the risk of heart attack and lung
disease. The risk can be reduced by:
a. Quitting smoking
b. Seeking medical help if you cannot quit
regarding the use of nicotine gum or patches
5. obesity
Excess weight increases your risk of hypertension, heart
attack and diabetes. To reduce the risk:
a. Lose weight safely
b. Change your eating habits by limiting fat and
extra carbohydrate
c. Exercise regularly
6. Exercise
Your heart needs exercise to keep the muscle active and
strong. Moderate exercises like regular walking help lose
weight faster than occasional heavy workouts. Do exercise
on a regular basis.
7. Alcohol
Excess alcohol consumption increases the risk of heart
attack; however, it has been proved that alcohol increases
the high density lipoprotein in the blood and inhibits
clotting. It is safe to take one or two drinks of alcohol
a day. But non-drinkers don't need to start drinking to
protect their heart since it can become habit forming!
8. Hormone Replacement
The post-menopausal woman should take estrogen and
progesterone combination to reduce the risk of
osteoporosis and heart attack. Taking aspirin (one tablet
a day) on a regular basis reduces the risk of heart attack
in both men and women.
By controlling these risk factors, you can lead a healthy
life and live longer.
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