Following recommendations have been shown to help reduce the risk factors for CAD
1) Quit smoking: Smoking doubles chances of getting a heart attack. A cessation in smoking has reduced incidence of Heart Attack by 40%.
2) Lowering Blood Cholesterol: For every 1% reduction in high blood cholesterol, there's a 2 to 3% decline in the risk of heart attack.
3) Control hypertension:
a) Less than 120/80 mm Hg;
b) For people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure- less than 140/90 mm Hg;
c) Persons diagnosed with kidney disease or diabetes- blood pressure less than 130/80 mm Hg.
4) Dietary intake:
a) Recommended eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry and lean meats.
b) Match intake of calorie with calorie burned. This will help in controlling weight. Modify food choices to reduce saturated and Tran's fats to less than 10 percent of calories, cholesterol to less than 300 mg per day. Substitute grains and unsaturated fats from fish, vegetables, legumes and nuts.
c) Limit salt intake to less than 6 grams per day (2,300 mg of sodium).
d) Limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day in men, one drink per day in women among those who drink alcohol.
5. Exercise: Exercise makes heart work more efficiently, reduces blood pressure, raises good (HDL) cholesterol, decreases clot formation, reduces stress, and maintains a healthy weight.
6. Low-dose aspirin: Aspirin can lower the risk of heart attack by not allowing clot to form. The recommended dose of aspirin is 81 milligrams daily or on alternate day.
7. Vit E: A regular intake of antioxidant vitamins-particularly vitamin E-helps reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
8. Regular Heart Check-Ups: A regular Check-Up regime will help to detect risk factor or anomaly at earliest.
