Heart Attack Prevention
Five Steps Towards Obtaining a Healthy Heart
Heart Attack: The death of, or damage to, part of the heart muscle due to the blood supply to the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped.
1. Quit Smoking
Smoking speeds up the process of atherosclerosis - the narrowing of arteries and veins - by damaging the blood vessel lining. It increases the chances of forming dangerous blood clots because it causes platelets to clump together, it also increases the risk of a heart attack.
2. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcoholic beverages contribute to high triglyceride levels, and produce an irregular heart beat. Excessive drinking can cause high blood pressure and even can lead to a heart attack.
3. Lower High Blood Pressure
People with high blood pressure are more likely to have heart attack. High blood pressure adds force against the artery walls. Over time, the extra pressure can damage the arteries. These arteries are more likely yo become narrowed putting stress on the heart. High blood pressure can also damage on the brain and kidneys. The optimum blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
4. Eating Healthy
Eating unhealthy food can cause plaque build up. The plaque build up increases the blood pressure or even cause the artery to rupture. When an artery ruptures the blood clots, this blood clot can be deposited in another area of the body where it will prevent blood from flowing and cause a heart attack. Elevated cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat levels from food can cause your arteries to become inflamed over time. This can trigger a heart attack. A healthy diet is one of best one of the best weapons to fight cardiovascular diseases. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products is key to keeping a healthy heart.
5. Daily Physical Activity
It is shown that being physically active for at least thirty minutes for five days a week can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and keep your body weight at a healthy level. Starting off slow if you do none now is a great step towards obtaining a healthy heart. People who achieve a moderate level of fitness are much less likely to have a heart attack.
Heart Attack Signs and Symptoms
- Chest Pain or Discomfort
- Lightheaded
- Shortness of Breath
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Emily
- Biology 30s
- Dakota Collegiate
- Teacher: Ms. Reynolds
- Student Teacher: Ms. Schewczyk