Heart attack and stroke prevention is a part of living a long and healthy life. While specific factors, such as family history, smoking or kidney disease, can increase the risk of a heart attack, there are ways to avoid having a deadly cardiovascular event. For example, maintaining blood sugar levels and controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart disease.
The online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies program from Arkansas State University (A-State) provides healthcare knowledge students can share with others to prevent heart attacks and promote heart health. This online degree program is perfect for those looking to advance into graduate or doctoral programs or pursue careers in non-clinical healthcare or other care services. Students will learn industry standards in patient care and public health, medical terminology, lab data interpretation, critical issues in the healthcare system and health profession ethics.
With in-depth knowledge of the United States healthcare system and modern health, students will be prepared to educate individuals and communicate valuable information for patient well-being.
The Importance of Heart Attack Prevention
Heart disease can lead to disabilities and poor quality of life. However, for those concerned with leading a healthy life, heart attacks can be prevented by controlling risk factors — such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure — with medical treatment or lifestyle changes. Choosing healthy habits, knowing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, managing diabetes, taking prescribed medications and working closely with a primary care doctor can lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but there are many steps people can take and suggestions healthcare providers can make to individuals. Below are some strategies to prevent heart disease:
- Stop smoking cigarettes. The chemicals in tobacco are harmful to blood vessels and the heart. By reducing the oxygen levels in the blood, inhaling cigarette smoke increases the heart rate and blood pressure. The benefits of not smoking are evident soon after someone quits smoking.
- Eat heart-healthy food. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, lean meats and fish, legumes and beans and low-fat dairy can reduce the risk of diabetes and improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Avoiding sugar, excess salt, saturated fat, alcohol and processed carbohydrates is also part of a heart-healthy diet.
- Moving at least 30 to 60 minutes a day can lower the risk of heart attack and heart disease. Physical movement can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the chance of developing conditions that can strain the heart.
- Manage stress. Finding ways to manage stress that doesn’t involve smoking, drinking alcohol, doing drugs or overeating can help protect the heart. Exercise, meditation, therapy, prescribed medication and relaxation exercises are good for mental health.
- Go to the doctor. Regular health screenings can inform patients about their heart health and risk factors. Knowing blood pressure numbers and cholesterol levels can empower a person to take action to protect their heart.
Next Steps
Graduates from A-State’s online B.S. in Health Studies program can supply important information to patients about heart health and heart attack prevention techniques. With courses like Preventative Health, Patient Education in Healthcare and Public Health: Principles and Practice, this program prepares graduates to communicate valuable information regarding patient well-being.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online B.S. in Health Studies program.