How can I lower my heart attack risk, and do I need daily aspirin?
Stopping smoking, controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, and maintaining suitable activity and nutrition lower heart attack risk without eliminating it. Daily aspirin is not appropriate for everyone because bleeding risk may outweigh benefit.
Details
Start with personal risk assessment
Discuss age, family history, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Cholesterol or blood-pressure medicines may complement healthy habits. Supplements or foods advertised to clean arteries do not replace prescribed treatment.
Aspirin requires an individual decision
Preventing a first event differs from care after a heart attack or stent. Do not self-start aspirin or stop prescribed post-event treatment without review. Ulcers, bleeding history and other medicines affect the balance.
Prevention does not remove emergencies
Chest pressure or pain with breathlessness, sweating or pain spreading to the arm or jaw requires emergency help, even after previously normal tests. Do not drive yourself or wait for a routine appointment when a heart attack is suspected.
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