Preventing Heart Attack
Heart diseaseis the number one killer of men and women in the United States. For
those over 65 years of age, the risk is even greater: eight out of ten
people who die of heart disease are 65 or older. Although these
statistics sound dire, take heart: With these strategies, you can help
your loved ones reduce their risk — and reduce your own at the same
time.
1. Know the early warning signs and seek treatment right away.
Some typical symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations (skipped beats or a racing or pounding heart)
- Leg swelling
- Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
- A prolonged, unexplained cough
- Coughing up blood
- Persistent fatigue or feeling unwell
- Passing out
But sometimes the symptoms aren’t so obvious. The pain of a heart
attack may feel like really bad heartburn or even the flu. And the
symptoms of a second heart attack may not be the same as those for the
first. If you or someone close to you has already had a heart attack,
don’t hesitate to seek emergency medical treatment at the first sign of
possible trouble.
2. Talk to the doctor about medications that might increase risk.
Hormone replacement therapy, rosiglitazone (for diabetes), and COX-2
inhibitors (for controlling arthritis pain) are all examples of
medications that may increase the risk of heart attack. Review all
medications with a doctor and ask if there are less risky alternatives.
3. Control blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack. If your
loved one has been diagnosed with prehypertension (120/80 mm Hg to
139/89 mm Hg) or hypertension (140/90 mm Hg or higher), his blood
pressure should be treated.
The doctor will prescribe the appropriate medications, but his blood
pressure needs regular monitoring. Although it can be a bit tricky to
use, an inexpensive manual cuff (starting at about $12 at your local
drugstore) is a great way to monitor blood pressure at home.
But if you can’t get the hang of it, you may want to consider
investing in a blood pressure machine. The machine is a bit more
expensive (between $70 and $150); it’s also available at your local
drugstore.
4. Keep “bad” cholesterol levels low.
Another major risk factors for heart attack is a high bloodstream
level of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Ideally, total cholesterol should be
no more than 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), and no more than
five times the level of HDL or “good” cholesterol; LDL levels should be
below 70 mg/dL. Make sure cholesterol levels are checked regularly and
treated if necessary.
Following a low-fat diet and exercising regularly may help, but it
might not be enough. If cholesterol levels don’t respond to lifestyle
changes, medication might be necessary.
5. Make sure diabetes is under control.
Three out of four people with diabetes will eventually die of some
type of heart or blood vessel disease. But by keeping blood sugar under
control and taking any recommended medications, a diabetic can reduce
his risk.
If you can your loved ones are lucky enough not to have diabetes,
it’s important to avoid developing the disease by exercising regularly
and maintaining a healthy weight.
6. Follow a heart-healthy diet.
The American Heart Association offers specific dietary guidelines for reducing the risk of heart attack.
The best bet is a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits,
fish, poultry, lean meats, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
A good rule of thumb: Limit daily intake of fat (total fat between 25
and 35 percent of daily calories, saturated fat less than 7 percent,
and trans fat less than 1 percent), cholesterol (less than 200
milligrams per day if LDL