28 Days to Prevent a Heart Attack

Week #1: Artery Maintenance

With simple additions to your diet and exercise routine, you can keep your arteries clean.

1. Add 2 tablespoons of flax seed oil to your breakfast. Flaxseed oil keeps red blood cells from clumping and forming the clots that block arteries.
2. Take 2 baby aspirin every night before bed. Make sure to drink a large glass of water. Baby aspirin will help prevent inflammation, which increases your risk for heart disease. Aspirin keeps blood platelets from clumping and clotting.
3. Do 10 minutes of stretching in the morning. Research shows that adults who stretch have 30% less stiffness in their arteries – a key factor in preventing a heart attack. Click here to see some sample stretches.

Week #2:  Challenge Your Heart

Getting your heart rate up for a few minutes a day can improve your overall fitness and heart function. Exercise helps to strip away the irritating materials that contribute to artery ruptures.

1. Climb stairs for 7 minutes a day.
2. Take a brisk 20-minute walk. Studies show walking briskly for 20 minutes a day may lower your risk for a heart attack by 30%.