Reducing Your Risk of a Heart Attack

By Young Park, MD

Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women. However, some people are more likely than others to have a heart attack because or their risk factors. Risk factors are behaviors or conditions that increase the chance of a disease. Some of the risk factors for heart attack are beyond your control, but most can be modified to help you lower your risk of having a heart attack.

The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk for a heart attack.

To find your risk for a heart attack, the following risks should be considered.

RISK FACTORS

Family history of early heart disease
High blood cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
One (or more) previous heart attack, angina, stroke, or blockage in the neck or leg arteries
Overweight
Physical inactivity
Inactivity

You can reduce your risk of having a heart attack, even if you already have coronary artery disease (CAD) or have had a previous heart attack. The key is to take steps to prevent or control your heart disease risk factors. Taking these seven steps will help reduce your risk of having a heart attack.

REDUCE YOUR RISK

Lower high blood pressure
Reduce high blood cholesterol
Manage diabetes
Stop smoking
Aim for a healthy weight
Be physically active each day
Eat a low fat, low cholesterol diet

Talk to your health care provider about factors that increase your chance of having a heart attack and how to reduce your risk.

Each year, about 1.1 million Americans suffer a heart attack. About 460,000 of those heart attacks are fatal. About half of those deaths occur within 1 hour of the start of symptoms and before the person reaches
the hospital.

Fortunately, everyone can take steps to protect their heart, and their life, or that of someone else. The key is seeking medical care as soon as possible.