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Heart Month: tips to prevent a heart attack

Every year, thousands of Canadians die from heart attacks
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Learn the signs of a heart attack. (Heart and Stroke Foundation infographic)

Heart Month is a time to shine a spotlight on heart health and make it a priority. Nine in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Here are some tips to prevent a heart attack, and information to help you save a life if you should experience or witness one.

Tips to prevent a heart attack

Many of the risk factors for heart attack can be controlled through healthy lifestyle choices. In fact, up to 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented.

These are healthy behaviours we can all adopt to help prevent a heart attack.

• Eat a healthy diet. Aim for between five and 10 servings of vegetables and fruit each day, choose whole grains, and limit salt and sugar.

• Be physically active. Try to get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week — that’s less than half an hour a day.

• Be smoke free.

• Manage stress. Identify the source of your stress, talk to friends and family, and take time for yourself.

• Limit alcohol. Women should limit themselves to two drinks a day, to a weekly maximum of 10, and men to three drinks a day, to a weekly maximum of 15.

Learn the signs

Every year, thousands of Canadians die from heart attacks because they don’t receive medical treatment fast enough. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack could save your life or that of someone you love.

The signs of a heart attack are not always the same from person to person and they may not always be sudden or severe. Some people may experience only one symptom, while others have a combination. Together we can beat heart attacks. Learn more at heartandstroke.ca.

If you experience any of these signs, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately, or have someone call for you.

For more information visit heartandstroke.ca.