How To Prevent A Heart Attack
When supply of oxygenated blood to a certain area of the heart muscles stops suddenly, a heart attack occurs. If the blood flow to the affected section of the heart is not restored within a short period, the tissues in the region will die. 
Heart attack is the top killer disease worldwide. However, with proper heart care and by heeding to the warning signs of an imminent heart attack, such attacks can be prevented.
Best Ways To Prevent A Heart Attack
Heart Healthy Diet
In majority of heart attack cases, an underlying coronary heart disease induces the heart attack. Heart attack can be prevented by arresting the progression of the coronary artery disease by following a heart healthy diet.
A heart healthy diet contains very small amounts of saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugar. Whole grain products, fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins such as fish, lean meat, poultry, lentils, beans and low fat milk and dairy are the main sources of calories in a healthy diet.
Up to 20% of the daily calorie requirement can be met from unsaturated fats such as fish oil, olive, avocado, sunflower, mustard, corn and other vegetable oils that are beneficial for the heart.
Exercises
When performed daily, moderate intensity workouts strengthen the heart muscles, thereby improving the pumping function of the heart. In addition, regular physical activities can minimize the risk of a heart attack by lowering the blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride and pro-inflammatory protein levels. At least five hours of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week can preserve the normal functioning of the heart muscles.
Maintain Normal Body Mass Index
Obese and overweight people have a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack. The excess fat circulating in the blood stream accumulates in the coronary artery. Over time, the fats harden to form a plaque, which reduces blood flow to the heart. When a plaque completely blocks a coronary artery, heart attack occurs. The risk of heart attack can be diminished by maintaining the body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9.
Quit Smoking
Smoking harms the entire body, including the heart. The toxic substances present in tobacco smoke damages the blood vessels and significantly boosts the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Even secondhand smoking is bad for the heart. Therefore, to prevent a heart attack, you should quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
Treat Conditions That Increase Heart Attack Risk
Heart attacks might be prevented by normalizing the blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. These conditions can be treated with medications, diet and regular exercises.
Early Signs of Heart Attack
Most heart attacks do not occur suddenly. Pain or discomfort in the chest is a common sign of a heart attack. Initially you might experience an intermittent pain or discomfort that feels like a pressure building in the left or center of the chest. The discomfort might last for a few minutes.
Occasionally the discomfort is mistaken for heartburn or indigestion. Shortness of breath, discomfort in the jaw, neck, left arm or both the arms, back and upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, cold sweat, sudden dizziness, fatigue, sleeping difficulties are other common signs of heart attack that can occur with or without chest pain.
