Health by dratiffarid

Lisa, 45 years old, had chest pain immediately after eating a meal. She thought it was due to indigestion. She talked about it to her sister. Luckily, her sister noticed that Lisa was pale and took her to the emergency immediately. Lisa had suffered a heart attack.

This dreadful condition is the number one killer of Americans. No matter how old you are, you can get affected by it. Obviously as you age, your risk increases.

The common symptoms of a heart attack are squeezing type of chest pain, discomfort in your arm, back, neck or jaw. It is associated with sweating and paleness of your body. You might be breathless and extremely tired.

The important aspects of preventing heart diseases are:

• Being aware of the major risk factors.

• Getting yourself evaluated at regular intervals.

• Lifestyle modification

The major risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes as well as having a family history of any heart disease.

You should get yourself regularly evaluated preferably every 6 months. Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be checked.

Lifestyle Modification:

1. Quit smoking. Not only you but any other family member should refrain from smoking due to the risk of passive smoking.

2. Regular exercise. This includes either walking, running, lifting weight or even dancing for at least an hour everyday. Yoga and meditation also help.

3. Watch your weight.

4. Count to 10 whenever in a stressful situation. Every-time your mind is stressed, your pulse rate and blood pressure increase. This leads to stress on your heart.

5. Eat fish. Fish contains omega-3-fatty acids that decrease heart diseases.

6. Eat corn flakes for breakfast. It contains folate which is protective.

7. Drink a lot of water. 5-6 glasses per day are good enough. Keep yourself hydrated.

8. Limit alcohol intake.