Ways to Prevent a Heart Attack

A heart attack is one of the most common causes of death in India. According to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the number of deaths in India by heart attack has been increasing since 2014. While heart attack was the cause of death of 18,309 people in 2014, the number increased to 28,005 in 2019. Needless to say, a heart attack has become alarming for every individual in the country. Nonetheless, what's relieving is that one can take measures to minimize the risk of getting a heart attack. Let us uncover simple yet significant ways one can keep heart attack at bay.

Also Read: All About Types of Heart Attack

5 Things to Do to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack

Whether it is in the family history or you are scared for yourself after watching someone else get a heart attack, know that you can do a lot to make sure you are not the one experiencing it. One of the biggest mistakes people do is that they do not follow steps to prevent heart attack, thereby eventually falling prey to it. So, if all this while you have been thinking that you cannot do anything about heart attack, a critical illness, you are totally wrong.

Here are the key 5 ways you can implement to prevent a heart attack:

1. Quit Smoking - Did you know that every cigarette you smoke makes you more likely to get heart disease? Learn that roughly 1 out of 5 deaths from heart disease is directly related to smoking. If you smoke, stop today itself. When you quit smoking, you reduce the risk of heart attack as well as death to the levels of non-smokers. Keep in mind that smoking raises your blood pressure, speeds up heart rate, reduces oxygen received by the heart, and more. Remember, by quitting smoking you will reduce your risk of getting a heart attack by 36%.

2. Eat A Nutritious Diet - A plant-based diet helps in warding off a heart attack. Include whole grains, reduced dairy fat, healthy fish, beans, vegetables, and fruits in your daily diet. Minimize or quit the consumption of red and processed meat, sweets, and refined cereals. Ensuring a good, nutritious diet will reduce your weight and bring your blood pressure down. By eating a plant-and fish-based diet, you will reduce the risk of heart attack by 20%.

3. Reduce Belly Fat - According to a Swedish study, people who had waistlines less than 95 cm had a 12% lower risk of a first heart attack in comparison to men that had more belly fat. So, whether you are a male or a female, go ahead and reduce your belly fat because it could ward off your heart attack risk by a massive 12%.

4. Moderate Drinking - Drinking in moderation helps in cutting the risk of a first heart attack in an effective manner. Since consuming alcohol in moderation lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and stroke, make sure you know when to put that glass down. By doing so, you can experience an 11% reduction in your chances of getting a heart attack.

5. Get Active - Walking, cycling, or exercising can help you lower your chances of heart attack by 3%. The percentage might be quite less, but rest assured becoming active will definitely help you gain other benefits such as strong bones, respiratory system, stress relief, etc.

Also Read: Symptoms of a Silent Heart Attack

Final Words

It's time to introduce new habits in your daily routine so that you are free from concerns regarding heart attack. However, if you want to secure yourself against a heart attack, it is advised to buy critical illness insurance to protect your finances in case an unfortunate event takes place.

You May Also Like To Read: Importance of Critical Illness Insurance Policy for Heart Attack Treatment

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.​