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Heart attack 101
Prevention
Medical methods for preventing a heart attack are similar to those for treating it (aspirin, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, etc). Typically these are administered if you’ve had a heart incident or are at high risk for a heart attack, as diagnosed by your doctor.
To reduce your risk of heart attack on your own, take these steps:
- Quit smoking.
- Keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check through healthy lifestyle choices.
- Control diabetes.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and low in saturated and trans fats.
- Reduce or manage stress.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Consume alcohol only in moderation (however, if you don’t currently drink alcohol, there is no reason to start).
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