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By Jeffrey Peebles, M.D. – Southlake Medical Director, Complete Care
Learning how to avoidbra heart attack after 50 isn'tbrreally much different than earlier years in life, save for the fact that it'sbrtime to take things more seriously than ever. Heart attack prevention liesbrprimarily around eating the rights types of foods, staying physicallybractive, avoiding cigarette smoke and minimizing alcohol intake.
Replace Refined Carbohydrates and Sugars With Vegetables
Contrary to popular belief, the foodsbrthat are most damaging to the cardiovascular system are actually the processedbrgrains and sugars contained in the vast majority of packaged foods today. Abrdiet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar in any form will raise your insulin levels,brleading to damage of your blood vessels. By replacing packaged foods and breadbrstuffs with a variety of colorful vegetables, you'll be taking a huge step to preventbra heart attack atbrany age.
Eat High Quality Fats and Proteins Daily
High quality sources of fats includingbravocados, olive oil, coconut oil, grass fed organic butter, and a variety ofbrnuts have regained much of their status as health foods in recent years. Oilybrfish including wild caught salmon and mackerel, as well as fish oil and krillbroil supplements, have been shown to help avoid a heart attack after 50 by balancing omega-3 to omega-6 fattybracid ratios in the diet and providing high quality protein. By including one orbrmore sources of these fats and proteins in your meals every day, you'll bebrgiving your heart the fuel it needs to stay healthy.
Get Physically Active
Regular physical activity is one of thebrmost important steps to maintaining a healthy heart; something as simple as abrbrisk daily walk for half an hour can go a long way to preventbra heart attack. Maintaining a healthy waist circumference isbralso important to avoid a heart attack after 50, and naturally,brexercise will help keep you trim around the middle. Choose whatever type ofbrexercise feels best to you; the most important thing is that you simply getbrphysically active for at least 30 minutes every day even if it is just a walkbrwith your dog.
Avoiding Cigarette Smoke and Minimize Alcohol Intake
If you haven't done so already, quittingbrsmoking is a critical component to avoid a heart attack after 50. Stay away from secondbrhand smoke whenever possible as well. Although some studies have linked thebrconsumption of small amounts of red wine with a lowered risk of heart attack, other types of alcohol are clearly best avoided orbrminimized after 50 to help prevent heart attack.
If you are experiencing any signs of a heart attack or any otherbrmedical emergency the experts at Complete Care can help. We have Emergency Room locations across Texas, contact us online to learnbrmore.
Dr. Jeffrey Peebles, M.D. has an extensive amount of experience in delivering advanced emergency care. He is board certified with the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians/Texas College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Peebles is committed to providing timely, affordable and high-quality medical care to the Southlake community.