How To Reduce Risk Of Stroke And Heart Attack?

Protect your heart and brain with these steps:

• Don’t smoke

  One of the best ways to protect you against a stroke or heart attack is by not smoking.

• Maintain a healthy weight

  Being overweight increases your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease and diabetes —which are risk factors for a stroke and heart attack.

• Limit fats and cholesterol

  Choose fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats. Instead of butter, margarine and shortening, use monounsaturated oils (olive and peanut) and polyunsaturated oils (corn, safflower, sesame, sunflower and soy).

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

  Fruits & Vegetables contain plenty of nutrients. Eat at least three servings of fruits and at least four servings of vegetables daily.

• Limit alcohol use

  Small amounts of alcohol may have cardiovascular benefits, but too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Moderate drinking means no more than one drink a day for women and anyone 65 or older and no more than two drinks a day for men younger than 65.

• Reduce salt intake

  Limiting salt in your diet and making other lifestyle changes can help prevent high blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, reducing salt intake further may help lower it.