Steps to Take if Heart Attacks Run in Your Family
By Sandy Schroeder
One of the ways to protect your health is to be aware of the health history of your ancestors. If heart disease runs in your family, you should take a look at these prevention tips from cardiology pioneer, Dr. William Frishman in Newsmax Health.
Check your blood pressure – Talk with your doctor about the latest guidelines and get it under control if it is high.
Monitor cholesterol – Your doctor can test for cholesterol and advise you on diet and medication choices, such as statins, to lower bad and elevate good cholesterol.
Eat healthy – Talk with your doctor about your weight and your diet. Most cardiologists recommend focusing on healthy fats, no saturated or trans fats, and lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, poultry and lean meats with low-fat dairy for starters.
Do not smoke – According to Frishman, smoking is at the top of the list in heart disease causes. Ditch the cigarettes, cigars and pipes, and avoid secondhand smoke.
Start walking – Walk, bike, or jog daily. As you figure out where you stand with a cardio profile, exercise should be a key part of the equation with doctor approved routines.
Lower stress – There is a direct link between stress and heart disease, according to the researchers. Do yourself a huge favor and find a way to let it go: yoga, tai chi, meditation, or deep breathing can work.
Be involved – You stand a much better chance of avoiding heart issues and other diseases when you stay mentally active and pursue your passions. Music, art, science, hands-on hobbies such as woodworking or glassblowing keep everything interesting.
Baby aspirin – Ask your doctor about low-dose aspirin therapy to see if it is right for you. It can protect the heart and lower cancer risk, too.
Heart attack signs – Warning signs of a heart attack can be chest tightness, pressure, or pain, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue and cold sweat. Call 911 or go to ER and be aware that heart attack signs vary in men and women.
Health history can be an important clue for heart and other serious diseases, such as cancer or diabetes. Talk with your aunts, uncles, and parents and trace the health of your grandparents to see what issues may come up for your and your children.
Then stay in touch with your doctor for regular checkups, as you establish the healthiest routines possible.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brea, Calif.