Are You at Risk for a Heart Attack?You Can Control Some Risks The more you know about managing stress, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other controllable heart attack risk factors, the more you’re living the heart-healthy way. Here are some of the risks that you can control: - Smoking. - Lack of Physical Activity. - Being Overweight. - A Fatty, Salty or Sugary Diet. - High cholesterol (HDL). - High Blood Pressure. - Stress. - Diabetes. Some Risks Are Out Of Your Control There are some unavoidable risk factors for a heart attack – age and family history, for example. Still, it’s good to know what they are and discuss them with your doctor. Here are some of the risks that are out of your control: - Age. - Family History. - Gender. - Race/Ethnicity. | Prescription Medications May Not Be EnoughIt’s well documented that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes raise the risk of heart attack as well as stroke. Your doctor may have already prescribed medications for these conditions, and if you’ve already had a heart or clot-related (ischemic) stroke, your risk of having another event increases, too. Fortunately, there are several options you and your doctor can discuss. From lifestyle changes to medication and more, working with your doctor to help control hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol, and diabetes is always a smart move. If you take prescription medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, they may not be enough to protect your heart. That’s because your prescriptions only manage a specific part of the entire set of risks you may face. Aspirin works differently than the prescription medications you are taking. Most heart attacks and strokes are caused when a blockage interrupts the flow of blood. Because blockages can still form in your arteries if you’re taking prescription medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes – you and your doctor may want to discuss how adding an aspirin regimen can help. Adding a doctor-directed aspirin regimen can help further reduce the risk of another heart attack or clot-related (ischemic) stroke. You should discuss with your doctor if adding an aspirin regimen with your prescribed medications is right for you. | Get Moving to Get Heart HealthyHow Moving Your Body Can Help Your Heart. Your heart is a muscle. So just like the rest of your body, exercise makes it stronger. Exercise can lower the risk of heart disease in healthy people. Heart disease patients can also cut their risk of dying from heart disease. Exercise can also reduce your risk of heart disease by: - Lowering your risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure. - Improving your blood sugar tolerance if you have diabete. - Helping to control high blood pressure. - Improving your blood lipids, such as cholesterol. - Supporting your efforts to quit smoking. - Controlling your weight and body fat. The first thing to do before you start any exercise routine is to talk to your doctor. Once you’ve got the go-ahead, these exercise basics can help you put together a plan that works for you. Know that exercise and heart health doesn’t mean you have to do the same, exact routine every day. Your body appreciates variety.You might go on a brisk walk one day in the fresh air, take in a yoga class the next day, go on a bike ride the next day, and so on. But no matter what you do, be sure to stretch before and after. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen. |