Preventing Heart Disease
Personal History
If you already have a personal history of heart attack or stroke, you are five to seven
times more likely to have another heart attack or stroke than someone who has never had a
coronary event. You can't change the past, but it is critical for your future to reduce
then eliminate any controllable risk factors you have.
For instance,
- Quit smoking for good.
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure (less than 130/85 is normal; 120/80 is ideal).
- Keep your cholesterol level low (160 or below is recommended for people who have a
personal history of heart disease).
- Accumulate 30 or more minutes of moderate physical activity such as walking on most
days, preferably daily.
- Lose any excess body fat and maintain an ideal weight.
- If you have diabetes, learn how to manage it.
Preventing Heart Disease Index
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