Arterial plaque can cause impaired blood flow to some parts of your heart and, if left untreated, can lead to a massive coronary arrest. As the years go by, your arterial walls slowly get clogged due to the plaque buildup, clots form and the blood flow gets reduced. When you reach this point the risk of a heart attack is really high and almost inevitable.
Heart attacks are so common these days in the US that they’re listed as the number 1 cause of death in the country. According to numerous studies, cardiovascular disorders and coronary artery disease are the principal cause of death in millions of people worldwide every year. These two conditions are the main causes for a heart attack. Experts estimate that just this year approximately 920 000 Americans are going to suffer a hear attack, a number which should get everyone worried.
Isn’t there something we can do to prevent these dire numbers from coming true?
The answer is yes, there is but we need to start with changing our entire lifestyle and all our habits as well.
The unhealthy way of life, stressful jobs and inactivity are the main causes that lead to heart attacks. If we change these we can lower our risk by 80%, experts say, and we’ll tell you exactly what you need to do.
If you want to increase your chances for a long and healthy life span and lower your chances for a heart attack you should start with implementing the following 5 changes in your lifestyle:
5 Habits That Can Prevent Heart Attack
1. Stop smoking
2. Stop drinking alcohol
3. Start a healthy diet
4. Slim down to a healthy weight
5. Start exercising moderately but regularly
What is a healthy well-balanced diet?
Food rich in fats, sugars and refined carbs, processed food, snacks and sweets are your health’s worst enemy. Unlike the saturated fat in butter, lard and eggs which is actually quite beneficial because it lowers the bad LDL cholesterol and thus the chances for a heart attack.
2 Types of Cholesterol
- Low-density cholesterol (LDL)
- High- density cholesterol (HDL)
The first cholesterol, or LDL, is the bad cholesterol and the main cause for arterial plaque buildup, while the second one, HDL cholesterol is actually beneficial and can lower the chances of a heart attack. If your diet is rich in white flour, soft drinks and bread you’ll significantly increase your LDL cholesterol levels and your risk for cardiovascular problems.
Healthy diet plan
- If you want to start eating healthier you should:
- Eat plenty of fruits because they’re rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and have anti-inflammatory properties. For a healthy heart eat lots and lots of fruits.
- Steer clear of processed sugars, fructose and grains.
- Make sure that the omega-3 and omega-6 levels are in balance. If your omega-3 levels are lower, it can have a direct negative effect on your physical and mental health. Forget about using vegetable oil and opt for high quality krill oil.
- Your diet should include high quality protein sources and not grain carbs. Start eating more vegetables and consume fats of high quality sources like coconuts and coconut oil, nut oil, grass-fed meat, organic egg yolks, butter, avocados, raw dairy and nuts.
Here’s what the experts say
According to health experts people that follow a diet rich in sweet fruits have 40% lower risk for a developing a cardiovascular disorder.
Diabetes Therapy and Medications
Diabetics usually take metformin, it’s the standard issued drug for this condition. But this medication has been known to reduce the levels of TSH, a thyroid stimulating hormone. If you have low TSH your entire health is in jeopardy. Moreover, it can result in cardiovascular disorders and congestive heart failure.
Beta-Blockers and Misconduct
Medications like beta-blockers can stop the neurotransmitters and norepinephrine-epinephrine or adrenaline to bind to beta receptors. The problem is that doctors give these beta blockers even to people that don’t have the need for a heart surgery and because of this 800.000 death have been reported as a consequence of beta blockers in Europe alone.
Protect your heart with these 8 simple tips
- Consider walking barefoot more. The earth is rich in antioxidants and walking barefoot stimulates transference, reducing the inflammation in your system.
- Eat a diet rich in saturated unprocessed animal fats.
- Don’t take statins, they have numerous adverse side-effects.
- Eliminate sugars
- Relax and reduce your exposure to excessive stress and anxiety
- Start exercising regularly, whatever you like just be physically active.
- Avoid sitting for longer periods of time
- Vitamin D is essential so try to increase the levels of this sun vitamin in your body. Spend as much time as you can outside when it’s sunny or just take some vitamin D supplements.