No matter who you are, you’re probably at risk of dying from a cardiovascular-related issue. There are a lot of variables at play, but given enough time, most people are going to find their cardiovascular system stressed at some point. Heart attacks, for example, are pretty common emergencies despite the wealth of knowledge we have about how to avoid them.
The best way to prevent a heart attack is to stick to a healthy diet and exercise. Want to know other ways to avoid succumbing to a heart attack? The tip on page 10 will have you rethinking your entire life.
1. Flossing
How could flossing possibly be good for your heart? Though the evidence is still circumstantial, doctors are exploring an apparent link between gum disease and heart disease. Either way, you should be flossing.
2. Move west
Culture makes a difference. So does your environment. Look at a map of the United States, and you’ll see certain areas are rife with heart disease and heart attacks. Others? Not nearly as much. The areas with lower incidences of heart issues tend to be out west. Take a look at the list of America’s healthiest cities for further proof.
3. Go to sleep
The importance of sleep can’t be understated. Yet, many of us ignore it. We stay up late playing video games, frolicking at bars, or surfing social media. Setting a strict sleep schedule will do wonders for your health, though. It’ll also help ward off heart disease, according to Harvard researchers.
4. Have the salmon
Most Americans eat meat. Meats — red, processed meats, in particular — are filled with fats and cholesterol, and when consumed in abundance, can contribute to heart disease. Fish, on the other hand, contains heart-healthy fats. If you don’t already eat seafood, try getting some more fish into your diet. Substitute salmon one day per week for your typical burger.
5. Go on vacation
You know what leads to heart attacks and strokes? Stress. What’s a great way to relieve that stress, or at least get away from it for a bit? Go on vacation. We’re overworked and overstressed. If you have the means to take a vacation (or just get away from your hectic daily life), do it.
6. Crank up the Mozart
Music can impact your mood and stress levels. If you’re listening to Slayer and pounding Red Bull all day? You’re probably going to be ready to snap. Interestingly enough, studies show listening to classical music can help your heart. It reduces blood pressure, calms you down, and can prevent heart disease.
7. Get a roommate
Live alone? It may actually be contributing to heart issues, as odd as it may seem. Studies have shown people who live alone have an increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks. There are a lot of factors that play into it, but just know that if you’re flying solo, it may not be great for your heart health.
8. Give up soda
You’re probably tired of hearing you should give up soft drinks, but tough. They’re filled with sugar (and often caffeine) and are part of the increasing obesity rate. That means they’re a part of the heart disease equation as well. If you can give soda up, you can lower your risks of heart attack considerably.
9. Get a dog
Get a dog? Get a dog! Having a dog around will help you become more active (that Dalmatian isn’t going to walk itself), and they can be great stress relievers. The numbers don’t lie — dogs can actually lower your risk of heart attack.
10. Don’t have (too many) kids
Having kids is stressful. They also eat up a lot of your time, meaning you don’t have the bandwidth for exercise, and end up eating unhealthy foods. Scientists have linked kids, at least having more than four, to an increased risk of heart attack.
11. Have a full term pregnancy
Women who deliver a premature infant (before 37 weeks of gestation) may have a 40% higher risk for heart attack, according to a study in Circulation. Delivering the baby early doesn’t make you more vulnerable to heart disease, however study authors believe it may be used to predict your risk later in life.
12. Don’t smoke
Recent research found that vaping may increase your risk for heart disease, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. E-cigarettes may not deliver the same potent punch as full tobacco, but certain vape chemicals like formaldehyde and acetone can alter blood pressure regulation and even increase the risk of blood clots.
13. Spend the time and money to get a higher education
Although a Ph.D. won’t stop you from having a heart attack, the more years you log at school, the lower your chances, according to a study published in the International Journal for Equity Health. Uneducated adults have twice the risk of having a heart attack versus those who completed college.
14. Get a flu shot
Getting the flu can actually boost your risk for heart attack or stroke because the virus created inflammation in the body, which may cause plaque to rupture, Beaumont Health reports. A seasonal flu vaccine and practicing strict hand washing techniques may help you avoid getting sick.
15. Move more, sit less
Not surprising, but sitting too long boosts your heart attack risk, according to The American Heart Association. Sedentary behavior, which includes binging watching TV, raises your risk for heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and diabetes too. Researchers don’t know exactly how deep sedentary behavior influences your risk but advise people to sit less and move more.
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