• You are here:  Home
  > 
• Health & Wellness
 > 
• WebMD eHealth Tools
 > 
• Health Topics A-Z

Health & Wellness

Health Topics A-Z

How Can I Prevent a Heart Attack?

Hardening of the heart arteries, or coronary artery disease, is a major risk factor for heart attacks and can be reduced. Here's how:

• Improve your Cholesterol. If you don't know your cholesterol numbers, now is the time to find out.  You should know your levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol (high levels increase heart disease risk); HDL "good" cholesterol (high levels protect against heart disease) and total cholesterol (again, high levels increase risk.) Cholesterol levels can be improved with exercise, a healthy diet low in saturated fats and alcohol, and if these strategies don't work, your doctor can prescribe medications.
• Get to a Healthy Weight. Obesity and being overweight are major risk factors for a host of diseases including heart disease and diabetes.   Exercise and a healthy diet can help, but some people might want to work with a doctor or a dietitian to help them get to a healthy weight.
• Exercise Regularly. Studies show that regular exercise can prevent heart disease, slow down the progression of heart disease, lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
• Lower Your Blood Pressure. High blood pressure significantly increases risk of heart disease and heart attack.   To lower blood pressure, try to eat a heart-healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity.   Your doctor may prescribe medications to help.
• Quit Smoking. Tobacco smoking or exposure to it is a major cause of heart disease. Work with your doctor to develop a plan.
• Eat Right. You are what you eat. Try to eat less saturated fat and increase your intake of omega-3 fats such as those found in salmon. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Control Diabetes. Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease. Work with your doctor.
• Manage Stress.

• Stay in touch with friends and family. Research shows that people with poor social support are more vulnerable to heart disease. Also, seek ways to control feelings of anger and hostility; these emotions may add to heart attack risk.
• Talk with your doctor about taking an aspirin daily. Studies have shown that this regimen significantly reduces the risk of heart attack.

Reviewed by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, July 2005.

Sources: Heartcenteronline.com

The Basics | Symptoms | Detection & Treatment | Prevention

© 2005 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.