Does angina increase my risk for heart attack?
Angina is a warning sign that your risk for a heart attack is high. But you can and should take steps to reduce your risk by controlling your risk factors for CHD. You should also take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
You can reduce your risk for heart attack and sudden cardiac death by improving your lifestyle. That means taking the following steps.
- Lower your blood cholesterol, if necessary.
- Keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
- Eat a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Talk with your doctor about increasing your activity level. Then do it.
- Lose any excess weight.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- If you smoke, stop.
- If you have diabetes, maintain good control of your blood glucose.
For help in doing these things, see What Do I Need to Know About Making Lifestyle Changes?. Also, talk with your doctor about getting help to make these changes.