Once you’ve had a heart attack, medical professionals will tell you that your odds of having another are pretty high unless you do something about it.
Fortunately, by paying keen attention to the 10 areas listed here, you can drastically reduce your risk of a second heart attack and live an overall healthy life.
Don’t Play Around With Your Medication
After your first heart attack, your doctor would have prescribed medications that are meant to address your heart’s health. It’s important that you stick to your regimen. If you think the medications are no longer effective, talk to your doctor. It’s never acceptable to just stop taking them as this may affect how well your heart functions and put you at serious risk.
Walk Away From The Cigarettes
Cigarette smoking has been proven to not only affect the lungs, but can also damage blood vessels, impair oxygen saturation, and cause blood clots. If you’re having trouble quitting, check out all the resources that are available as quickly as possible.
Establish An Exercise Routine
Exercising regularly can positively influence different aspects of your health. Specifically, being physically active will strengthen your heart muscles. The ideal amount of exercise is 30 – 60 minutes of activity for at least 3 days per week. Since you’re recovering from a heart attack, however, you need to get your doctor’s advice to choose the right exercise for you.
Pay Attention To Your Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are a risk factor for having heart trouble. While eating well and exercising will go a long way in keeping your heart healthy, other interventions might be needed. Your doctor should monitor your cholesterol levels and prescribe medication if needed.
Have a Heart-Healthy Diet
Generally, doctors will tell you to cut out unhealthy fats, excess salt, and refined sugars to help your heart. If you’re looking for a truly heart-healthy diet, though, the Mediterranean Diet could be just what you need. That diet focuses not only on reducing the bad foods but also on the foods that promote a healthy heart.
Control Your Blood Sugar Levels
Studies show a strong link between diabetes and heart disease. If you have diabetes, keeping the condition in check will be integral to minimizing your risk of a heart attack, Bear in mind, however, that you can have diabetes without showing symptoms so get your blood sugar levels checked regularly.