Heart Attack Prevention

While heart attacks are common, they are also, for many people, preventable. Making healthy lifestyle decisions is crucial in protecting your body’s hardest working organ.  

The first step in preventing a heart attack is to assess your risk. The American Heart Association recommends evaluating your risk for cardiovascular disease starting at age 20. Based on your inherited risk factors, look to where you can make changes in your lifestyle to improve your heart health and maintain a functioning cardiovascular system.

Lower Your Heart Attack Risk

• Talk to your doctor about your risk for cardiovascular disease
• Quit smoking
• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Read food labels and choose healthier foods
• Manage your diabetes
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce salt intake
• Avoid saturated and trans fats
• Manage your blood pressure
• Reduce stress in your life
• Control blood cholesterol
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Eat more whole grains and lean proteins

Visit the Heart Health Learning Center to learn more about heart-healthy living.