4 Ways to Reduce Your Heart Attack Risk

Maybe you have a family history of heart problems, or maybe a heart attack is one of those worries that keep you up at night. Whatever the case may be, if you’re looking for a way to lower your risk, you’re in the right place. 

At Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular in Midtown East Manhattan, New York City, David Bolon, MD, specifically specializes in heart attack prevention. With a cardiac screening, he can evaluate your current heart health. Then, he tailors a prevention plan to help you address anything heightening your risk. 

Dr. Bolon customizes his heart attack prevention plans to the individual, but there are some general rules that apply. Everyone can reduce their risk by:

#1: Cutting out tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco significantly increases your risk of a heart attack. In fact, cutting out tobacco could help to slash your risk by 36%.

We know this is easier said than done. Fortunately, the American Heart Association has some great resources to help you break up with tobacco.

#2: Getting screened

There’s no reason to fly blind here. Dr. Bolon can help you get a clear picture of your heart health so you can identify the best steps to personally take to lower your risk.

With a cardiac assessment, he checks your:

• Blood sugar
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol

He may also order an ultrasound or stress test to get a clearer idea of how your heart currently functions. Similarly, he may recommend genetic testing to identify DNA markers that could heighten your risk for a heart attack.

With all of these diagnostic tools at his disposal, Dr. Bolon can thoroughly evaluate your heart. That enables him to make personalized recommendations to help you keep your heart functioning at its best. That might mean medication, lifestyle modifications, or a combination of both. 

#3: Choosing a healthy diet

Speaking of lifestyle changes, a healthy, balanced diet can go a long way toward preventing heart attacks through the years. 

Aim for whole foods over processed ones. Try to work in plenty of:

• Fresh produce
• Whole grains
• Low-fat dairy
• Legumes
• Poultry
• Fish
• Nuts

At the same time, limit your intake of salt, sweets, and red and processed meats. 

#4: Staying or getting active

You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. That could mean taking a 30-minute brisk walk five days a week or logging a couple of longer sessions of pickleball or hiking. Find what you enjoy and what works with your schedule so you have an easier time sticking with it. 

You can be proactive about preventing a heart attack. To get started with your cardiac screening, call (716) 303-4738 or book your appointment online today.