You’re having a bad day at work and, all of a sudden, your chest pains. You’re worried you’re having a heart attack and dial 911. The operator asks you if you’re feeling okay and you say, “Well, not really…” You then tell the operator that you’re having chest pains and she asks you to breathe. You tell her it’s really bad and she asks you to stay on the line until help arrives. You feel a little better and tell her you’ll be okay. She thanks you for calling and reassures you that emergency services are on their way.
While you’re relieved that help is on the way, you’re also a bit shaken. You just had a heart attack and it could have been much worse. You ask yourself, “Am I going to be okay?” You hope to God you will be because you don’t want to end up like the person you just saw on TV, who had a heart attack and died. You know there are definitely things you can do to avoid suffering a similar fate. In fact, there are a few simple things you can start doing right away to significantly lower your chances of having a heart attack.
Cut Back on the Booze And Take More Water
You might be used to having a drink or two after work, but try having a drink every day. Studies show that having a drink every day reduces your risk of having a heart attack. And remember, the less you drink, the less you’ll crave it. So, while it might be easy to grab that cold one at the end of a long day, it might be better for your health to say no thank you and save the drink for later.
The water retention that results from drinking alcohol can cause your heart to swell, which puts you at a higher risk of having a heart attack. Plus, you already know how alcohol can affect your sexual performance, so cutting back on the drink might improve your quality of life as well. There’s no need to be scared of cutting back on the booze — it could save your life.
Avoid Stressful Living
There’s no need to be under any kind of stress, whether it’s financial or otherwise. Studies show that stress has damaging effects on the heart, so it’s important not to let it get to you. One way to avoid stress is to avoid putting yourself in situations that you know will cause you stress. This might mean changing your job or leaving your current circle of friends, but it’s well worth it. There are plenty of ways you can reduce your stress levels without having to change everything about your life.
Check Ups And Clean Eating
The best thing you can do for your heart is to make sure it gets all the vitamins and nutrients it needs. This means eating healthy foods and getting check ups from your doctor. Studies show that people who eat healthy foods and get their vitamins and supplements, have lower rates of heart disease and heart attacks. So, cutting back on your bad habits (like bad food or drink choices) and getting the recommended vitamins and supplements can help ensure your heart stays healthy.
There are still some things you can do to avoid heart disease. If you start noticing signs of heart problems in yourself or a family member, there are things you can do to check things out and see what’s going on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure what’s causing your problems. And, as always, be sure to check with your doctor before taking any new supplements or making any changes to your diet plans.