Preventing a Heart Attack:

The prospect of suffering sudden cardiac death is a frightening thought, but there are several preventative measures that you can take to ensure a healthy heart. These steps are easy to follow and can greatly reduce your risks of not only heart attacks, but heart disease as well.

See a Doctor Regularly

It is very important to have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked by a physician at least once a year. If you have a yearly check-up, this is a great time to request a cholesterol screen if you are not offered the possibility of having one by your doctor. Once you hit 20, monitoring your cholesterol becomes essential.

Preventative measures only work if you stay on top of your current health. Many types of heart disease are avoidable, and your doctor will be able to spot any warning signs if you go in for regular check-ups.

Eat the Right Kind of Foods

Staying away from saturated fat is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. Many Americans do not realize just how much saturated fat they ingest every day. Try switching to healthy fats, such as poly-unsaturated or mono-unsaturated, which may in fact promote a healthy heart.

It is also important to add foods that support heart health by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels at the normal level. This means eating oatmeal on a regular basis, and adding other foods, such as fish, which contains essential Omega-3 fatty acids, and plenty of green vegetables.

Exercise

Eating the right foods and staying on top of your health won't do you much good if you are not supporting these efforts with a healthy lifestyle. Instead of warming up the coach, try taking short walks during your free time. At first, it may be difficult, but as your body gets used to the activity, it will become more enjoyable.

Try to include some friends in your exercise time to keep your spirits up and to stay motivated. If you can get together a group of your friends, or even just a family member, you'll be more likely to stick to your exercise plan.

These suggestions are also useful if you have already suffered a heart attack, or if you are currently suffering from heart disease. However, it is important to check with your physician before adding anything new, changing your diet or attempting additional exercise.

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