Caused when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, a heart attack has been one of the major health problems globally. Majorly a lifestyle disease, a heart attack has been known to leave other health complications in its aftermath. Some of these complications can be immediate, such as irregular heartbeats, low oxygen levels in the blood, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. A bulge may form in one of the ventricles and blood clots may develop in the deep veins of the pelvis and legs. In some cases, the blood pressure will drop. Because of this, the heart will not be able to supply sufficient blood to the body for optimal functioning.

Other complications include aneurysm, angina, edema, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, pericarditis, and even congestive heart failure. These complications usually occur over time after a person has had a heart attack. The following are the things you should do to avoid the risk of a heart attack.

• Lifestyle changes
  Stress is one of the major triggers of a heart attack. Another major reason is a completely sedentary lifestyle that most of us have. Negative emotions such as hostility or anger can cause a spike in blood pressure leading to clogging of the arteries. This increases the risk of a heart attack. The lack of exercise and physical activity can make one highly susceptible to obesity, high blood pressure, and as a result, heart attack as well. Pick up light and low-intensity exercise routines such as walking, running, and swimming. Find a way to unwind and relax through various de-stressing activities such as yoga, meditation, art, and music.
• Diet changes
  Heart diseases and heart attack are often preceded by atherosclerosis. This is a condition that causes the arteries to harden and causes blockages. It is mostly caused by an unhealthy diet that has a lot of fats. Eating foods rich on unhealthy fats such as trans fats and saturated fats leads to the accumulation of fatty plaques inside the arteries. Avoid foods such as meat pies, sausages, fatty cuts of meat, butter, cream, hard cheese, baked goods, and foods made in palm oil or coconut oil. Instead start eating healthy unsaturated fats such as avocados, oily fish, nuts, seeds, sunflower oil, and olive oil. Also, keep a watch on total cholesterol intake and regularly check cholesterol levels.
• No smoking
  Smoking is another major cause of atherosclerosis. Also, it raises the blood pressure. It has been observed that smoking even less than five cigarettes a day can bring about some of the early warning signs of heart attack. It is possible to significantly lower the risk of heart attack within one year of quitting cigarettes.
• Avoid alcohol
  Alcohol has a lot of calories. Regular and daily consumption of alcohol can lead to weight gain. It increases the blood pressure leading to an increased risk of heart attack. Ideally, it is recommended to limit the intake of alcohol to 14 units per week. Moreover, these 14 units must be spread over three days or more.