Swedish scientists have studied four lifestyle behaviors associated with a lower risk of heart attacks, and found that combining these four with physical activity gave an 86 percent lower risk than high risk groups, and a 79 percent lower risk than the average group who practiced some but not all healthy behaviors.
This means that the benefits of combining diet, healthy body weight, and lifestyle can prevent as many as four out of five cases of heart attacks.
A heart attack occurs when blood no longer flows properly to a part of the heart, and the heart muscle is injured by not getting a sufficient level of oxygen.
The four healthy behaviors are:
- A healthy diet
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Small waist circumference
- Not smoking
The diet in question was consistent with dietary guidelines and included fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish. Just eating healthy and not adhering to the other behaviors lowers the risk with 20 percent.
The importance of exercise and getting adequate sleep
When it comes to exercise, try to get a minimum of 30 minutes three times a week. Many don’t enjoy jogging or going to the gym and that’s okay – any type of exercise will do. Maybe you would enjoy playing a team sport, playing tennis, or swimming. If you’re a dog lover, take your furry friend for a brisk walk, throw a Frisbee, or a ball.
One aspect not included in the Swedish study is getting enough sleep. Almost 60 percent of American adults have problems sleeping, and less than 40 percent gets the recommended 8 hours per night. Too little sleep – or too much – can have adverse effects on your blood pressure and heart health.
If the worst should still happen, seek medical attention at once. Most heart attacks occur during several hours, and the faster you get help, the better. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness, dizziness, or nausea. A mild heart attack can even be mistaken for heartburn, and women usually don’t get the classic symptoms.
Non emergency medical transportation for heart patients
Med Transport Center has extensive experience in providing non emergency medical transportation for heart patients. Whether you need to travel state to state to a care facility or across the country to your family, we can get you there. Our medically equipped coaches are comfortable, have hospital beds, onboard bathrooms, and kitchens. We pride ourselves in treating our guests like we would like to be treated, and each transport comes with an experienced nurse and two professional drivers.
If you have questions, concerns or wish to get a free quote, please call our transportation coordinators at (800) 311-3412 today.