12 Ways to Prevent a Heart Attack in Women
Alexander Jelich
October 30, 2007
A recent study from Sweden revealed that women can cut their heart attack risk by up to 92% by adopting simple lifestyle changes. These changes include different lifestyle factors, such as healthy diet. In other words, women must commit to changing the way they live their lives.
Here are 12 ways to prevent a heart attack in women.
1. Stop Smoking
Women who smoke are more than twice likely to suffer heart attack than non-smokers.
A 6-month ban in a US town almost halved the number of heart attacks - eliminating second-hand smoke is the key.
2. Lose Weight
According to the American Heart Association, women can lower heart disease risk by losing ten pounds. Different studies show that people who carry extra body fat, especially around the waist, are more likely to develop heart disease.
3. Lower Cholesterol
Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL. Your level of HDL or good cholesterol should be above 40. Your level of LDL, or bad cholesterol, will depend on how many heart attack risk factors you have.
4. Control Your Blood Pressure
Try to keep your blood pressure less than 140/90 mm Hg. A rate of 120/80 mm Hg is optimal. You can track at home with an automatic blood pressure monitor.
5. Exercise
Work out for at least 30 minutes a day. To have fun, exercise with friends, and choose enjoyable activities, such as walking or team sports.
6. Have Enough Sleep
Cardiologists say that women who don't get enough sleep or work inconsistent shifts are at a greater risk for a heart attack. Organize your days so you can have enough sleep.
7. Eat More Fish
Studies have shown that diet full of fish can help prevent first and second heart attacks. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and have limited amounts of saturated fat.
8. Reduce Salt
Scientists found evidence that eating less salt can cut the risk of heart disease by a quarter. Even modest reductions in salt intake can considerably lower the risk. The American Heart Association recommends that people consume no more than 2.3 grams (about 1 teaspoon of salt per day).
9. Reduce Stress
Stress itself is a risk factor of heart attack. Also, high levels of stress make other risk factors (high cholesterol or high blood pressure) worse. A research showed that women under work strain are more likely to develop heart problems. Women who already have heart disease, stress can bring on a heart attack.
10. Monitor Your Diabetes
Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. The risk is even greater if blood sugar isn't appropriately controlled.
11. Preventive Screenings
Health screenings play a big role in heart attack prevention. These screenings should include everything from cholesterol and blood pressure levels to family history of heart disease.
12. Be Informed
There are new discoveries made every day. The field of heart attacks is no different. Visit regularly web sites such as heart health news for the latest medical research information.
Here are 12 ways to prevent a heart attack in women.
1. Stop Smoking
Women who smoke are more than twice likely to suffer heart attack than non-smokers.
A 6-month ban in a US town almost halved the number of heart attacks - eliminating second-hand smoke is the key.
2. Lose Weight
According to the American Heart Association, women can lower heart disease risk by losing ten pounds. Different studies show that people who carry extra body fat, especially around the waist, are more likely to develop heart disease.
3. Lower Cholesterol
Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL. Your level of HDL or good cholesterol should be above 40. Your level of LDL, or bad cholesterol, will depend on how many heart attack risk factors you have.
4. Control Your Blood Pressure
Try to keep your blood pressure less than 140/90 mm Hg. A rate of 120/80 mm Hg is optimal. You can track at home with an automatic blood pressure monitor.
5. Exercise
Work out for at least 30 minutes a day. To have fun, exercise with friends, and choose enjoyable activities, such as walking or team sports.
6. Have Enough Sleep
Cardiologists say that women who don't get enough sleep or work inconsistent shifts are at a greater risk for a heart attack. Organize your days so you can have enough sleep.
7. Eat More Fish
Studies have shown that diet full of fish can help prevent first and second heart attacks. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and have limited amounts of saturated fat.
8. Reduce Salt
Scientists found evidence that eating less salt can cut the risk of heart disease by a quarter. Even modest reductions in salt intake can considerably lower the risk. The American Heart Association recommends that people consume no more than 2.3 grams (about 1 teaspoon of salt per day).
9. Reduce Stress
Stress itself is a risk factor of heart attack. Also, high levels of stress make other risk factors (high cholesterol or high blood pressure) worse. A research showed that women under work strain are more likely to develop heart problems. Women who already have heart disease, stress can bring on a heart attack.
10. Monitor Your Diabetes
Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. The risk is even greater if blood sugar isn't appropriately controlled.
11. Preventive Screenings
Health screenings play a big role in heart attack prevention. These screenings should include everything from cholesterol and blood pressure levels to family history of heart disease.
12. Be Informed
There are new discoveries made every day. The field of heart attacks is no different. Visit regularly web sites such as heart health news for the latest medical research information.
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