Three Main Ways to Protect Yourself from a Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the body's organs suddenly becomes blocked. Usually, it is caused by a blood clot.

Reported on Express, Tuesday (1/8), lack of blood to the heart can seriously damage the heart muscle and life threatening. The main cause of heart attack is coronary heart disease which occurs when blood vessels that supply the heart are blocked by cholesterol deposits. When the deposits break, blood clots develop at the site of rupture and trigger a heart attack.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) public health service program in the UK, the most effective way to prevent heart attacks is to make healthy lifestyle changes. At least, there are three main steps that must be taken to protect yourself from a heart attack.

Reduce fatty and unhealthy foods

An unhealthy diet high in saturated fat can cause arteries to become blocked with cholesterol. This is because foods with high saturated fat also contain a lot of cholesterol. Foods high in saturated fat, including meat pies, sausages and fatty cuts of meat, butter, cream, cheese, and cakes and biscuits.

Quit smoking

The NHS says, smoking is a major risk factor for heart attacks. The activity causes clogged arteries and increases blood pressure.

Monitor blood pressure

Persistent high blood pressure can make arteries and heart under extra pressure. It has the potential to increase the risk of a heart attack.

In addition to reducing unhealthy foods high in saturated fat, high blood pressure can be reduced by reducing salt and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Salt is a major cause of high blood pressure, while fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure.

In addition, being overweight increases the risk of having high blood pressure. The body forces the heart to work harder pumping blood throughout the body.

Many consume alcoholic beverages can also increase blood pressure. The NHS recommends that someone reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially when blood pressure is high.

Being active and exercising regularly will reduce blood pressure by keeping the heart and blood vessels in good condition. "Making lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent a heart attack," the NHS said.

Eight early warning signs of a heart attack

1. Chest pain as if there is a sensation of pressure, tightness or pinched in the middle of the chest.
2. Coughing and shivering are common symptoms of a heart attack.
3. Pain in the body. It feels like pain radiates from the chest to the arms, jaw, neck, back and abdomen.
4. Dizziness or dizziness can be an early sign of a heart attack.
5. Breath stung. Suddenly experience difficulty breathing, nausea or dizziness.
6. Nausea, such as feeling sick or vomiting.
7. Cold sweat.
8. Fatigue. Some women complain of fatigue in the chest making him need to struggle for simple activities such as moving to the room.