These measures will improve your heart health and help keep your blood pressure in control. In some cases, medications are necessary to control high blood pressure. Remember, medications work along with other recommendations. They do not replace them. Don t Smoke Smoking raises blood pressure and the heart rate, while it lowers HDL-cholesterol.
Smoking also increases the tendency for blood to clot.
As a result, smoking doubles the risk of heart attack and increases the risk of sudden cardiac death by two to four times. In addition, post heart-attack survival rates are lower for people who smoke. Control Diabetes Uncontrolled diabetes also increases the threat of heart disease. Increased total blood cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels are complications of uncontrolled diabetes. The best way to avoid this risk is to get regular checkups to screen for diabetes.