Smoking, obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet and a family history of cardiac problems can all increase your risk of suffering a heart attack, as well as those with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or high cholesterol.A regular check-up with your doctor can catch the earliest signs of problems by monitoring your health, which can be one of the best ways to preserve cardiac function. Your blood pressure should be checked at least once a year, and your cholesterol should be checked every three to five years. If your doctor notices any signs of concern, he or she may recommend medication to control your blood pressure or lower cholesterol along with changes to your diet, stress reduction techniques and an exercise regimen to reduce your risks and ensure your condition is managed correctly.
Recognizing the earliest signs of problems may be able to save your life or the life of someone you love. Symptoms of a cardiac emergency can include back, neck, jaw or chest pain. Some people may also experience discomfort or pain in their arms or shoulders, and they may feel light-headed, nauseous, weak or experience shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms are present, the best way to contact help is by calling 911, which will enables prompt diagnoses and can even increase the odds of survival, according to the CDC.