A Few Tips To Avoid A Heart Attack And How To Know You Might Be Having One

1. Sodium is not just in a shaker...Read Labels.

Lots of people think to look at the label on foods for fat or sugar content but don't forget to take notice of sodium content too. The American Heart Association recommends a maximum daily limit of 2 300 milligrams with an ideal daily limit of 1500 milligrams.

Making small changes in your food choices can make a big difference in your daily intake. Things like choosing Shredded Wheat over Corn Flakes or Greek Yoghurt over Cottage Cheese or Whole Wheat Toast over a bagel can help your sodium stay at a lower level.

2.If angry take a walk, spend time with loved ones or a pet

The Dean of the University of Kentucky College of Pulbic Health, Donna Arnett, PhD, explains that "Anger triggers an adrenaline response that reduces blood flow to the arteries." This can lead to greater risk of heart attack or stroke. In fact a study done in Australia found a person who experienced extreme anger within two hours had eight times higher risk of heart attack then someone who hadn't.

Taking a walk can open the airways and help blood flow. Spending time with loved ones whether the two or four legged kind can calm the spirit, lower stress and blood pressure while helping us breath more easily in both a physical and emotional sense.

3. No Workaholics allowed

Several studies have recently shown working more than 45 hours a week in deterimental to your mental and physical health. Memory, metabolism and heart are all affected.

Working 55 hours a week can can the risk of heart disease to climb 16 % and increasing your work hours just another 5 to 60 hours a week can increase your risk upto 35 % so take those vacation days, leave that budget til Monday. You need to take the weekend and spend sometime with the family for your heart.

4. Take care of the rest of your health

Some things you can be proactive about like not smoking, lowering sodium and fat intake. Many other health conditions can raise your risk of heart attack such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and migraines. While migraines may seem like a strange predictor of a heart attack there was a study done at Harvard following more than a 100 000 women which found those who suffered migraines were 50 % more likely to have a stroke, heart disease or a heart attack.

Eat more fruits and vegetables, be active, spend time relaxing and be proactive in your health.

5. Don't wait til Menopause to starting thinking about heart health

It is actually the years prior to menopause when there in an increase of severity in metablic syndrome. Women's blood pressure, blood sugar and other risk factors are increased at this time.

6. Take care of your teeth

The Mayo Clinic states on their website: many studies have shown a connection between gum disease (periodontitis) and other serious conditions, including heart disease. Research suggests that periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease and that people with chronic gum disease have increased thickness of their neck blood vessels. There is also a strong correlation between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and evidence that people with diabetes benefit from professional teeth cleanings.

7. Know The Symptoms

Anxiety Nausea Jaw pain Fatigue

Sweat

Chest pain or discomfort

Pain in your arm(s), back, neck, or jaw.

Stomach pain

Shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness.

All of these symptoms can be signs or symptoms of something far less serious but together or a combination of these symptoms may also be signals that you need to get medical attention and could be having a heart attack.