A heart attack is a scary condition which affects 735,000 Americans each year, according to the CDC. Heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the heart due to narrowed or blocked arteries. Arteries become blocked when there is a buildup of fat, cholesterol, or other substances which form plaque. The heart muscle becomes permanently damaged by a heart attack, and often, it can be fatal. Symptoms of heart attack include pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing sensation in the chest, arms, jaw or back; nausea, indigestion or heart burn; shortness of breath; cold sweat; fatigue; or lightheadedness or sudden dizziness. The good news is, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of heart attack. Certain lifestyle changes geared toward making you healthy and fit, like the ones mentioned below, will get you on the right track to cardiovascular health.
Quick prevention:
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are vital for a healthy heart. They are naturally high in fiber, which lowers ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol by binding to it and flushing it out of the body. Fruits and vegetables are virtually free from fat and cholesterol, which are the leading causes of dangerous buildup in the arteries. It is widely acknowledged that a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables is imperative to coronary heart disease (CHD) prevention. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concluded that “higher intake of a plant-based diet index rich in healthier plant foods is associated with substantially lower CHD risk.”
