Heart Attack Prevention

Two very large studies have confirmed that smoking increases the risk of a first heart attack by more than 100% in some people. Women were found to be at greater risk than men; “inhalers” were almost twice as susceptible as non-inhalers. Quitting smoking is critical for reversing this risk. According to one study, female ex-smokers who had not smoked for three or more years were “virtually indistinguishable” from women who had never smoked in terms of heart attack risk. Exposure to secondhand smoke, which increases infarct size in animals and impairs heart function and exercise tolerance in heart attack survivors, should also be avoided. For people who have already had a heart attack, quitting smoking is associated with a significant decrease in mortality.

Routine, moderate exercise is preferred over excessive exertion for people at risk for heart attacks. Research indicates that heart attack risk rises six-fold for one hour immediately following heavy physical activity (compared to moderate or no activity), particularly among people who are sedentary. This risk is more than five times less in people who exercise four or more times per week. Most studies show that regular, moderate exercise reduces overall heart attack risk. Therefore, researchers and doctors recommend that susceptible individuals engage in an exercise program. Exercise recommendations for people who are at risk or who have a history of heart attack need to be custom tailored to the individual. Therefore, anyone with a heart condition or anyone over the age of 40 should consult a healthcare professional before beginning an exercise plan...