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| Heart Attack Symptoms Warning Signs |
According to the World Heart Federation, if a first-degree male relative like a father or brother has
suffered a heart attack before the age of 55, or if a first-degree female a relative has suffered one before the age of 65, you are at greater risk of developing
heart disease. If both parents have suffered from heart disease before the age
of 55, your risk of developing heart disease can rise by 50 percent compared
to the general population. So, if heart disease runs in your family, your risk
is higher.
There are certain heart conditions that run in families like cardiomyopathy
that affect the physical structure of the heart and its ability to pump blood
effectively. Then there is arrhythmia or heart rhythm problems and certain
structural problems of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. You have
little control over these and will need treatment to tackle them.
Get your blood pressure, lipid profile, and blood sugar tested regularly, as advised by your physician.
When it comes to coronary artery disease (CAD), you may inherit a gene or a
cluster of genes that will make you more likely to have bad cholesterol. In
fact, there is a genetic disorder that results in high levels of the kind of
small, dense LDL particles. Then there is a rare genetic abnormality known as
familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) that results in abnormally high levels of
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
So here's what
you can do to take charge of your heart health:
1. Trace
Your Family History
Heart disease may not throw up symptoms, to begin with, so it's crucial that you
are aware if there's a family history of high cholesterol, early heart disease
or heart attacks. Remember that it's not just the health of your parents that
influences your risk-the health of your siblings matters too.
2. Have your
tests are done
Get your blood pressure, lipid profile, and blood sugar tested regularly, as
advised by your physician. Because the age at which people get heart disease is
coming down, it's advisable to get tested as early as age 18, or earlier if at
risk. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that if a
family has a pattern of heart attacks or heart disease in men before age 55 or
in women before age 65, children in that family should undergo cholesterol
testing as early as age 2 and before age 10.
3. Eat a
Heart-Healthy Diet
This means consuming minimal saturated fat (like whole dairy and butter), no
trans fats (found in bakery products), fewer processed meats and more leafy
greens, fruits, whole grains, and fish.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking dramatically increases your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Steer clear of second-hand smoke, too.
5. Get Regular
Exercise
Aim for at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, or
cycling) on most days of the week-the kind that gets your heart rate up.
Exercise can help you manage your weight and cut down the risk.
6. Control Your
Blood Sugar
If you have diabetes, it's essential to take medication and follow the advice
to keep your blood sugar under control.
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