3 ways to prevent a heart attack
3 Ways to Prevent a Heart Attack
To help reduce the risk of a recurrence, heart attack survivors need to take charge of their lifestyle. Diet and exercise are key components of a successful recovery, and the following tips will benefit anyone at risk for a second (or first) heart attack.
- Manage the big risk factors. Quit smoking, and if you have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about getting them under control – follow his or her advice about appropriate medications.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet. Avoid trans-fats and include more vegetables, fruits, whole soy products, legumes, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats.
- Get active. Moderate physical activity helps keep the heart muscle strong and the arteries flexible, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, increases overall energy and helps elevate and stabilize mood.
Yoga Pose for Your Heart
The Bridge Pose is a powerful tonic for body and mind. It provides an invigorating stretch for the chest, neck and spine. It is therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, osteoporosis and sinusitis. Other possible benefits include:
- Calming the mind and alleviating stress and mild depression
- Stimulating abdominal organs, lungs and thyroid
- Rejuvenating tired legs
- Improving digestion
- Relieving the symptoms of menopause
- Reducing anxiety, fatigue, backache, headache and insomnia