Heart Attack Risk Factors

Some heart attack risks cannot be controlled: family history, increasing age, ethnicity and male gender. Other risk factors can be.

Heart Attack Risks You Can Prevent or Control:

• Smoking
  Stop smoking! Get free help to quit at the Maine Tobacco HelpLine 1-800-207-1230.
• Being overweight or obese
  Eat healthy, limit portion sizes, eat more fruits and vegetables, and be physically active.
• Not being physically active
  Be more active! Try to get at least 30 minutes of activity every day. Find a walking route near you at www.healthymainewalks.com
• High blood pressure
  Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Get your blood pressure checked regularly. If it’s 140/90 or higher, work with your doctor to control it. If you have diabetes, your treatment goal is to stay below 130/80.
• Having other health conditions
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol 
  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

To reduce the risk: Visit your doctor regularly. Ask about medications to help reduce your stroke risk and be sure to take them as prescribed.