How to Reduce Your Chances of a Heart Attack

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which cholesterol and other substances build up in the artery walls to form plaque. When plaque builds up enough to close off the artery, and therefore the blood supply to the heart, a heart attack results.

Instructions

1

Check your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. High blood pressure or cholesterol can put you at greater risk for heart disease.

2

Watch your diet and weight to keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels down. Avoid foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat.

3

Stop smoking. Smoking speeds up the development of atherosclerosis by damaging the artery walls, which allows cholesterol deposits to develop.

4

Exercise regularly to help prevent a heart attack and increase your chances of surviving one.

5

Reduce stress.

6

Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.

7

Evaluate whether other conditions put you at higher risk for heart disease. Hypercholesterolemia, high triglyceride levels, low-density lipoproteins and diabetes may add to your risk of a heart attack.