How to Lower Your Risk for a Heart Attack

You might be at risk for a heart attack and not even know it.

This is important because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and you don’t want to help increase those statistics.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. This usually happens due to a condition called atherosclerosis, which develops when deposits of cholesterol and other fatty materials build up inside your arteries, blocking the flow of blood.

Those most at risk for a heart attack include men over 45 and women past menopause, smokers, people with high cholesterol and blood pressure, and those who have diabetes or are overweight.

At Phillips Family Medical in DeSoto, Texas, board-certified family nurse practitioner Pamela Phillips, PhD, FNP-C, and our team want to help you prevent heart disease. Here’s how you can lower your risk for a heart attack.

Stop smoking

If you’re a smoker, quitting tobacco is the most impactful change you can make. You may have tried to quit before and been unsuccessful, but it’s worth trying again. We can help you with a plan to quit, and you can find many resources online as well.

Eat well

To reduce your risk of heart attack, reduce the amount of saturated fats in your diet. Not only will this help you lose weight, it’ll also lower the amount of buildup in your arteries. Focus on eating lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Avoid processed food as much as possible. Here are a few heart-healthy diets to get you started.

Stay active

Consistent, regular exercise is another important lever to pull as you work to prevent heart disease. Exercise has numerous benefits for your body: it helps you lose weight while increasing your blood flow and decreasing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk of diabetes. Here are a few types of exercise that will boost your heart health.

Know your numbers

Three numbers are important here: your blood pressure, your cholesterol, and your blood sugar. You should check these regularly to make sure they’re within the normal range for your demographics. These numbers can be an early indicator of health problems, so it’s beneficial to keep your eye on them, especially if you’re working to lower your risk of a heart attack.

If you think you may be at risk for a heart attack, or if you want to establish your current condition, our team at Phillips Family Medical is here to serve you. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, or book your own time with our online scheduler.