Staying Healthy

5 ways to prevent a heart attack

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These are the most effective ways to protect yourself.
  • Every year, about 805,000 Americans have heart attacks, 75% of which are first-time attacks.
  • The average age of a first heart attack among men: 65.
  • However, the most troubling fact about heart attacks is that many people don't take steps to protect themselves, says Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, executive director of interventional cardiovascular programs at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart & Vascular Center. "Reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease is the best way to guard against heart attacks," he says. "There are simple ways to do this, but unfortunately, many people still don't follow them as they should."

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