The Signs of a Heart Attack

There is an estimated 8 million American women living with heart disease. Each year approximately 435,000 women have a heart attack. Almost 25% of these women are under age 65. Women on average are more likely to die from a first heart attack. If you are under age 50, you are 3 times more likely to die from a first heart attack.
Common symptoms of a heart attack are as follows: chest pain and discomfort , pain in upper body such as arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath , cold sweats, nausea or vomiting, and also feeling light-headed.

Keep track of your health numbers. You need to know what a health blood pressure is as well as cholesterol levels. If your blood pressure is higher than or equal to 140/90 it increases your chances of suffering from heart disease and stroke. Try to keep it at or below 120/80.

A healthy total cholesterol level is less than 200mg/dL. A level of 240mg/dL or more has twice the risk of heart disease as a normal level. Your LDL, (bad) cholesterol should not be more than 100mg/dL. HDL (good) cholesterol should be above 50mg/dL. Your triglycerides level should be less than 150 mg/dL.

With bad cholesterol too much lipo-protein can buildup and form plaque that narrows and hardens the arteries producing atherosclerosis. Good cholesterol protects against a heart attack by carrying the cholesterol away from the arteries.

The good thing is, you can lower your risks by improving diet and exercise. The American Heart Association recommends these cholesterol-lowering goodies:
1. Extra virgin olive oil which helps increase HDL .

2. The bean family, ( lima, kidney, black, navy, pinto), are all rich in fiber which helps to lower cholesterol. Try eating 5-10 grams a day.3. Oatmeal and oat bran, also high in fiber. Helps lower LDL and regulate glucose levels.

4. The nut family (almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts).

5. Cranberry juice raises HDL. Make sure it is 100% juice to avoid so much sugar in other brands.

6. Yogurt lowers LDL with it live cultures. It stops the re-absorption of cholesterol back into your bloodstream.

7. Blueberries help lower LDL and are a good source of antioxidants.

and salmon. Raises HDL. This is a good source for omega 3 fatty acids as well.

Sources: www.qualityhealth.com

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