Lowering Cholesterol and Blood Pressure After a Heart Attack

(LifeWire) - Unfortunately, once you have suffered a heart attack, you have an increased risk of experiencing another heart attack -- but don't throw up your hands in defeat. You can follow clear-cut recommendations to decrease your risk of future heart attacks or other complications, such as stroke. Some of these interventions may even halt or reverse the progression of coronary artery disease. Other benefits include

• Increasing your life span
• Improving the quality of your life
• Reducing the chance that you'll require future heart procedures, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery

To prevent a future heart attack, two important areas to concentrate on are blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

How to Conquer High Blood Pressure

Aim for blood pressure readings below 140/90 mm Hg (below 130/80 for individuals who have diabetes or chronic kidney disease):

• Take your medication. Your doctor is very likely to give you a prescription for a blood pressure medication -- make sure to take it as directed.
• Maintain a healthy weight. This might require the help of a nutritionist; together, you can create a healthy diet plan low in fat and sodium and high in fresh fruits and vegetables to address weight issues.
• Get moving! Physical activity can be an important factor in keeping your blood pressure under control (as well as having tons of other benefits). But since you already know you have heart disease, you'll want to check in with your doctor to get an exercise prescription. Ask whether there is a cardiac rehabilitation program you are eligible for -- these medically monitored programs will help you determine a safe level of exercise. Gradually, you'll ease toward a higher level of exercise, as appropriate.
• Drink alcohol in moderation. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol has been show to increase blood pressure levels. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one to two drinks per day.

How to Conquer High Cholesterol

Aim to get your LDL (the "bad cholesterol") level under 100 mg/dL. After that, your doctor might encourage you to drop it even lower (under 70 mg/dL):

• Take your medication. Current guidelines recommend that all patients who have had heart attacks should be prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) -- make sure to take it as directed.
• Cut the fat. Drop your daily intake of saturated fat to below 7% of your total calorie intake, and keep your cholesterol intake under 200 mg daily.
• Eat more plants (and fiber). Foods that are high in substances called phytosterols and fiber are natural cholesterol-reducing agents. Consult a nutritionist to help you learn how to prepare and enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and cereals.
• Increase your omega-3 fatty acids by eating fatty fish, such as salmon, or by taking fish oil in pill form (the American Heart Association recommends 1 g per day).

In addition to dealing with high blood pressure and cholesterol, ask your doctor for help addressing other areas of your health that can lower your risk of future heart problems, such as managing depression, quitting smoking and considering the use of various medications that can prevent blood clots and provide other heart benefits.

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