Preventing Complications
Tips to Prevent Complications Such as Heart Attack, Stroke
Do not use tobacco.
The American Lung Association website offers a free seven-step program to help individuals stop smoking.
Follow "heart healthy" nutrition recommendations.
- Avoid or limit foods high in saturated fat. Choose whole foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grain breads, and cereals. Include a rainbow of food colors with your meals. Do not skip meals. Eat smaller portions, and eat throughout the day.
Exercise regularly.
- Check with your physician before starting an exercise program.
- Participate in aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes, 5 days per week. Walking, swimming, biking are all examples of aerobic exercise.
- Keep your blood pressure at less than 130/80.
Check your blood pressure regularly, and notify your physician if it is consistently higher than recommended.
- Take your blood pressure medication as prescribed.
- Reduce salt (sodium) in the diet to less than 2,400 mg per day.
Keep your cholesterol within recommended targets.
- Total cholesterol—less than 200
- LDL—less than 70
- HDL—greater than 40
- Triglycerides—less than 150
- Follow nutrition and exercise recommendations.
- Get your blood cholesterol checked each year and take cholesterol medication as prescribed.
Attain and maintain a desirable body weight.
- Exercise regularly and follow heart healthy nutrition guidelines.
Take care of your emotional well-being.
- Learn effective strategies for coping with stress.
- Exercise regularly to improve emotional well-being.
- Take 1 baby aspirin daily (check with your physician before starting).
