While genetics can play a role in your heart health there are also a number of achievable lifestyle changes you can make to protect it
A cardiologist has revealed four “top ways” to prevent a potentially deadly medical emergency. A heart attack is a serious and life-threatening event caused by the interruption of blood supply to the heart.
This deprivation of blood can cause severe damage to the heart and can even be fatal. With this in mind, an expert took to social media to share the best methods to lower your risk of a heart attack. He acknowledged that some factors contributing to a heart attack are beyond our control, such as genetics, but insisted that following these steps could significantly reduce your risk.
Speaking on TikTok, cardiologist Doctor Mohammed Alo said: “Top ways to prevent a heart attack.” He then proceeded to share achievable steps we can take, which included:
- Improving your diet
- Quitting smoking
- Getting closer to your ideal body weight
- Increasing physical activity
Diet
On the topic of diet, Dr Alo advised: “You can improve your diet,” specifically recommending a switch to a Mediterranean diet. He suggested: “More fruits and vegetables, more soluble fibre.
“More fish in your diet. More olive oil in your diet, especially when you substitute out saturated fats for olive oil.”
The Mediterranean diet, rich in healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, has been shown in studies to boost heart health, lower the risk for diabetes, dementia and arthritis, and aid weight loss efforts.
Smoking
His advice on smoking is backed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which states that the habit is “very harmful” to the heart. BHF adds: “It seriously increases your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.”
Weight
To reduce your heart attack risk, Dr Alo advised: “Get as close to your ideal body weight as possible.” While there isn’t a universal rule for what someone should weigh due to numerous factors, the online NHS BMI checker can provide a general indication.
Physical activity
The NHS advises a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly to maintain good health. Dr Alo continued: “Those are all the kinds of things you can do to improve your health and your risk despite your genetics. Obviously, we can’t change your genetics.”
Anyone with worries about their cardiovascular health should consult their GP.