15 Things You Can Do to Avoid a Heart Attack

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3. Know Your Blood Pressure

According to the American Heart Association, an ideal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80. Hypertension, which is a consistently elevated blood pressure, puts additional stress on the cardiovascular system leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. If you don’t have one already, consider purchasing an inexpensive blood pressure monitor from your local pharmacy or discount store. Start by checking your blood pressure several times a week at different times during the day. If you see multiple readings that are elevated, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. One of the easiest steps you can take to reduce your blood pressure is to limit salt intake. If you are unable to manage your hypertension through lifestyle modification, you doctor may recommend prescription blood pressure medications.