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Step 1
Limit fat intake. Most people know that a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine can help prevent heart disease. The American Heart Association suggests limiting saturated fat intake to less than seven percent of total daily calories and limiting trans fat to less than one percent of total daily calories. Try one of the many heart-conscious diets like The Zone or the Mediterranean diet to prevent heart disease. Make sure to monitor excess weight and cholesterol levels. Get active too. Even moderate exercise helps reduce heart disease.
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Step 2
Quit smoking to prevent heart disease. According to MayoClinic.com, tobacco smoke contains almost 5000 chemicals, which cause narrowing of the arteries. Smoking also increases blood pressure, which can lead to a heart attack. Quit smoking now and prevent heart disease significantly within one year.
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Step 3
Ask your doctor about aspirin therapy to prevent heart disease. Many experts agree that taking one aspirin a day may reduce heart disease. Aspirin minimizes the threat of potentially dangerous blood clots that can cause heart attacks. Aspirin is not for everyone. Make sure to talk with your doctor first before taking aspirin to prevent heart disease.
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Step 4
Ask your doctor about tests for heart disease. There are different types of tests doctors use to assess the risk factors for heart disease like CT heart scans and carotid artery ultrasounds. If you are at risk or suffer from heart disease, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your risk for heart disease.
Comments
leapyearfish said
on 3/17/2009 Great article. and don't forget to eat that dark chocolate, yummy! 5*
bethjess39564 said
on 2/20/2009 Great tips! It's never too early to take care of your heart.
klnygaard said
on 2/19/2009 fantastic info about heart disease
khristal23 said
on 2/19/2009 I had heard about taking aspirin every day. Thanks for a great article!
Gardengates said
on 2/19/2009 Good prevention tips for heart disease. It's so easy to think "it couldn't happen to ME!"