8 ways to reduce the risk of a heart attack

LOSE WEIGHT

The best way to lose weight is by reducing your kilojoule (energy) intake by cutting down on the fat and sugar and following a healthy, balanced diet.

Being physically active also plays an important part in losing weight as you burn up calories.

Try not to lose weight too quickly and avoid "crash diets".

Instead, aim to lose weight slowly and steadily. Between half a kilogram and 2kg a month is healthy, and you are more likely to keep the weight off for good.

KEEP YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN

It's normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall during the day, but if it stays high for a long time - usually for at least three months - then you have high blood pressure.

If your doctor says you have high blood pressure, you'll likely be encouraged to make some lifestyle changes.

They might include reducing the salt in your diet, keeping to a healthy weight, increasing your exercise, cutting down on alcohol and eating healthy.

If your blood pressure remains high, your doctor is likely to prescribe medication.

EAT HEALTHIER

Good eating can help keep your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol under control as well as prevent blood clots and fatty deposits building up in your arteries.

It's never too late to start eating right

Eating healthy includes what you choose to eat, how you prepare the food and the way these foods influence your heart health.

Changing the balance of the food you eat can reduce your overall risk of heart disease and improve your heart health.

Start by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, choosing low-fat milk, replacing butter with margarines and healthy oils, reducing your salt intake, and when choosing meat, make it lean and include fish as an alternative.

QUIT SMOKING
If you smoke, you are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack or a stroke.

There are thousands of chemicals in the smoke you inhale.

These can damage the lining of your arteries, reduce the amount of oxygen that your blood can carry, raise your blood pressure and make your blood more likely to clot.