Roughly 610,000 people die of a heart attack in the United States every year. A heart attack is no laughing matter. Having a heart attack requires emergency medical care. As soon as you recognize that you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, head to the nearest hospital immediately.
The major warning signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or lightheadedness
- Cold sweats
Fortunately, there are simple ways to help prevent a heart attack. Read on to find out how.
1. Exercise
The benefits of exercise aren’t just limited to achieving your desired physique. Your body needs daily exercise to maintain it’s health. It doesn’t require trips to the gym, either. Walking is a simple activity that most everyone can benefit from. Nothing rigorous about it, either. Start off small, if need be, like 20 minutes a day, then progress to 45 minutes. Your elevated heart rate from merely walking is enough to help prevent a heart attack. And if you’d like, you can incorporate other forms of exercise like yoga or calisthenics to reap even more benefits of exercise.
2. Nutrition and Diet
Like exercise, a healthy diet that focuses on nutrition–not flavor–can do wonders for your body. Sugar and saturated fats run rampant in the average American diet. They’re found everywhere in processed foods, along with excessive amounts of sodium. Not good for your health. Stick to whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Limit your meat consumption and opt for protein sources like nuts and beans. It can be a drastic change for many, but a vital one for your health.
3. Cut Back the Bad Habits
Habitual smoking and drinking take a nasty toll on your body. You don’t have to completely give them up, but the overconsumption of these activities needs to end. Cigarettes and alcohol affect your body by impeding its immunity system, making you prone to illness and stress. Have a glass of wine before dinner if you’d like, but keep the rest in check.
4. Ease the Stress
Your mental health is linked to your physical health. Stress is a factor in how well your body functions. When you experience stress, the hormone cortisol is released into the body, affecting your sleep patterns. We need sleep so that our bodies can regulate themselves. There are many activities you can partake in to help alleviate stress. Any activity that puts you in a meditative state is best, like yoga or breathing exercises. And if there’s something troubling your mind often, take a moment to journal about it so you can make a healthy change in your life.
5. Regular Check-Ups
It’s a good practice to have regular physicals with your doctor. Your doctor can check to see how your body is managing in life. Warning signs of low blood pressure or high cholesterol can indicate troubled areas in your life that could lead to a heart attack. It’s better to be aware of these factors now before emergency medical care is needed.
Experiencing a Heart Attack? Seek Emergency Medical Care
Call 911 immediately. It’s a scary situation to be in, but treatment can help save your life. Follow the above tips to help prevent a heart attack. Contact us now so we can help coordinate a lifestyle change that can reduce your risk of a heart attack.