Heart attack: One of the best diets to help reduce your risk of the deadly condition

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A heart attack is a medical emergency whereby the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. It is vital for a person to ensure their diet is heart-healthy with one diet in particular which could help to lower your risk of a heart attack.

Research shows that eating a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce your risk of another heart attack, said the British Heart Foundation.

The health charity added: “A Mediterranean diet typically means one that is rich in fruit and vegetables, oily fish, such as sardines, and wholegrain cereals, with modest amounts of meat and low-fat dairy.

“One of the better-known aspects is the use of monounsaturated fats such as olive oil instead of saturated fats such as butter.”

A study published in JAMA Network Open also shed the light on how a Mediterranean diet could help to reduce heart attack risk due to its benefit to the heart.

“We didn’t know the potential mechanisms of how a Mediterranean diet reduced risk of cardiovascular disease,” said lead study author, Dr Shafqat Ahmad. “It was like a black box.

He added: “Through this study, we know that a Mediterranean diet reduces or improves a lot of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which are very important in terms of prevention.”

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Dr Louis Levy, head of nutrition science at Public Health England, said: “The Mediterranean style diet in this study is in fact similar to official UK advice, as shown in the Eatwell Guide. 

“We also recommend cutting back on sugary, fatty and salty food and drinks and being mindful of calories to help protect your heart and general health.

“Exercise has also shown major benefits in helping to aid in a reduction in heart attack risk.”

For a happy heart, limit your intake of saturated fat and avoid trans-fat (found in hydrogenated oils) completely.

Saturated fat should make up no more than six percent of your total daily caloric intake.

To manage blood pressure, limit your daily sodium intake to 1,500 mg or less.

Ask your healthcare professional if caffeinated beverages, like coffee and tea, are appropriate for your heart.

Enjoy these drinks in moderation without added cream, milk, or sugar.

Symptoms of a heart attack which you need to be aware of include:

• Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back.
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Cold sweat.
• Fatigue.
• Light-headedness or sudden dizziness.

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