Prevention

To prevent a heart attack:

• Keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol under control.
• Don't smoke.
• Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fat.
• Eat fish twice a week. Baked or grilled fish is better than fried fish. Frying can destroy some of the health benefits.
• Exercise daily or several times a week. Walking is a good form of exercise. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise routine.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.

If you have one or more risk factors for heart disease, talk to your doctor about possibly taking aspirin to help prevent a heart attack. Aspirin therapy (75 mg to 325 mg a day) or another drug such as prasugrel or clopidogrel may be prescribed.

New guidelines no longer recommend hormone replacement therapy, vitamins E or C, antioxidants, or folic acid to prevent heart disease.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor today for a checkup or click Find a Physician for a doctor near you.