Heart attack affects
millions of people all over the world every year. Unfortunately due to various
factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, smoking, etc. the occurrence of this heart
disease is increasing daily. But the good news is that heart attack can be kept
at bay by making an attempt to keep the heart healthy.
A few key steps for maintaining
a healthy heart are given here. Follow these do’s and don’ts and keep away
heart attack:
1.
Do Eat Healthy
One of the
biggest risk factors is an unhealthy diet. Try avoiding fatty foods and food
that is rich in cholesterol. Consume lots of green leafy vegetables and fresh
fruits, fibre, lean protein and plenty of water.
2.
Do Exercise Regularly
A heavier
body puts more strain on the heart. Exercising regularly helps to lose weight
and strengthens the heart muscles. Exercising
also helps in lowering blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels and helps in
relieving stress.
3.
Do Take Aspiring Regularly
Aspirin is
a natural blood thinner that is obtained from the bark of the white willow
tree. As it thins the blood, it prevents the arteries from getting blocked and
thus prevents heart attack. Ask your doctor before taking aspirin as it might
not be safe for everyone.
4.
Do Reduce Intake of Salt
Reducing
salt intake can reduce the risk of heart attack as salt contributes to rise in
blood pressure level. Apart from this, it also boosts the effects of blood
pressure lowering agents and reduces complications that are associated with
diabetes, obesity, etc.
5.
Do Control Blood Pressure Level
People
with high blood pressure are more prone to get a heart attack. This is because
high blood pressure puts more force against the artery walls which damage the
arteries. This leads to the narrowing of the arteries which ultimately leads to
coronary artery disease.
6.
Do Reduce Cholesterol Level
Increased
level of cholesterol in the blood leads to the accumulation of cholesterol on
the artery walls. Due to this, the arteries become narrow and the blood does
not flow properly to the heart muscle. This might culminate into a heart
attack.
7.
Do Get a Good Sleep
According
to a study, there is a plausible link between sleep duration and risk of heart
attack. It is believed that people who sleep for less than seven and a half
hours a night may be at a greater risk. So make sure than you get a good
night’s sleep.
8.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking on
a regular basis increases fatty deposits in the arteries and thus narrows and
hardens the arteries. Try reducing number of cigarettes per day or if possible,
quit smoking for good.
9.
Don’t Consume Alcohol
Consuming
alcohol regularly makes you put on weight which in turn is harmful for the
heart. Try to reduce the consumption of alcohol for a healthy heart.
10.
Don’t Take Stress
When under
excess stress, the body tends to release chemicals that cause blood pressure
and the heart rate to increase. It also begins a set of actions in the body
that lead to plaque formation. It is thus advised to reduce stress by stress
reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, laughing, swimming, massage, etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment