Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States. It’s caused by lack of oxygen to the heart, due to plaques or blood clots in the arteries. There’s usually no warning, and it can take up to eight weeks for your heart muscle to heal.
Some early signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest discomfort
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
If you experience any of these symptoms, reach out to your doctor so you can receive proper treatment. Treatment can range from medication to medical therapy to surgery, depending upon the type of heart attack.
While it can be hard to know when a heart attack could happen, there are changes you can make to your daily lifestyle that can help prevent a heart attack. The main cause for a heart attack usually stems from an unhealthy lifestyle. Here are some changes you can make to keep your heart healthy:
Stop Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your lungs and oxygen capacity in your body, which can increase the risk of a heart attack. If you or household member smokes, encourage them to quit for both your and their safety.
Eat Nutritious Foods
Rather than reaching for the sugary snack, choose to eat healthier to prevent heart attacks. The food you eat can affect your cholesterol and blood pressure, and can increase the risk for diabetes and becoming overweight. All these factors, if out of hand, can attribute to clogged arteries and higher chances of heart disease. Choose nutrient-rich foods to keep your body healthy.
Exercise Every Day
While eating well is good for your body, it’s also important to keep a healthy exercise routine. You need to work off the calories that you take in. However, exercise doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym or being involved in a sport. Being active includes walking, biking, or throwing around a frisbee with friends.
Reduce Stress
Stress can be overwhelming. When we’re stressed, we tend to overeat, start smoking, or drink alcohol more than normal. Instead of falling into these bad habits, try to avoid stress or work on stress management to help decrease the risk of heart disease.
Limit Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk for stroke, cancer, and other diseases. While a drink a day may be fine, excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on our health.