Recently a friend’s father experienced pain and symptoms well-known for being associated with heart attacks—dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and chest pain. Stabilized and rushed to the hospital, he discovered that one of his arteries was 100% clogged. Days in recovery and two stints later, he’s resting at home and trying to makeover years of unhealthy habits that contributed to his poor health—smoking, no exercise and poor food choices.
We all know that we should eat a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, exercise 3-5 times a week, limit alcohol consumption, and quit smoking. But it’s hard.
Hard but necessary. And part of life includes thinking about how we spend our days. Age does matter. It’s not good enough to begin thinking about health later in life. You should start thinking about heart health at age 20 suggests The American Heart Association. It’s important to remember that heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the country.
According to a recent article from Caring.com senior editor, Melanie Haiken, there are early signs that point to an unhealthy heart long before a heart attack occurs. Signs include neck pain, dizziness, and jaw and ear pain. If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and take an aspirin. Forget searching online for symptoms or waiting to see if the pain subsides. If you are indeed experiencing a heart attack, every second counts.
Our friends at AARP offer some sound advice on taking steps to lessen your chances long before you start questioning symptoms. In Ten Tips for a Healthier Heart, AARP recommends strength training, stretching and aerobic exercise as the best ways to throw some much needed love your own way.
As with any new exercise program, talk with your doctor first and take things slowly. The key to heart health is being aware of your choices and making the right ones daily.
For more information on heart attack prevention, visit the American Heart Association website at www.heart.org.
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