Medical studies have indicated that if you have one or more of these conditions, you are at high risk for heart attack or stroke.
• Diabetes
• Coronary Heart Disease (Angina and Heart Attack)
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (Blocked Carotid or Femoral Artery)
• Stroke
• Transient Ischemic Attack (A "Mini-Stroke")
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (Enlarged Aorta)
There are several ways that you can reduce this risk. Making lifestyle changes can help you reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. These include quitting smoking if you smoke, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and choosing healthy foods low in fat and salt and high in fiber. It is also important to control any other risk factors you may have, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar if you have diabetes. Another important step you can take is to talk with your doctor about taking medications that prevent heart attacks and strokes: aspirin to prevent the formation of blood clots; a statin to help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol; an ACE inhibitor to lower blood pressure and a beta blocker to lower blood pressure and decrease the heart's workload.
Take What You Need (PDF)
Aspirin Therapy (PDF)
Statin Therapy (PDF)
ACE Inhibitor Therapy (PDF)
Beta Blocker Therapy (PDF)
More about Heart Health (WEB)
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