We’ve all heard the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” There is no better example of this than your cardiovascular health. As experienced DC injury attorneys, we know it’s far easier to prevent a heart attack—and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle—than travel the long road to Virginia heart attack recovery.
Reducing The Risk of a Heart Attack
These simple steps will go a long way toward keeping a heart attack at bay:
- Engage in daily physical activity. Thirty minutes a day, as little as three times a week, will go a long way toward physical and mental relaxation.
- Maintain a healthy weight. A side effect of weight loss, a healthy weight is also indicative of less fat deposits around the heart.
- Be drug-free. Illegal drugs, drinking and smoking all contribute to cardiovascular disease.
- Lower your blood pressure. Exercise will help lower blood pressure, but it’s not the only way. Napping, relaxation, or simply turning off your cell phone for twenty minutes can increase longevity.
- Manage stress. A daily period of relaxation, meditation, or deep breathing can lower stress levels, putting less strain on your brain and heart.
There are some unchangeable risk factors, such as age, gender, or family medical history, that all play a role in a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease. While some of these may increase your risk, they do not guarantee a heart attack in your future. Decreasing the risk factors you can control, taking positive steps in your physical activity and managing stress can all reduce your risk of heart disease.