But if these atypical symptoms occur in a female who is over age 60 and perhaps has a history of high blood pressure or diabetes, the physician should suspect coronary disease. And Dr. Robinson recommends seeking immediate medical attention at the nearest Emergency Department or Chest Pain Center. Therapy can include using drugs called thrombolytics which essentially break up blockages in the circulatory system. If treatment is done very early, damage caused by the onset of interruption of blood flow, and thus oxygen, to the heart can be minimized. You can't change the fact that you'll get older or that you may have been born into a family with a history of heart disease.
Smoking constricts blood vessels and is a contributor to high blood pressure.
Watch your blood cholesterol level and keep it within normal ranges, preferably under 200. If your HDL is too low, it could contribute to future risk of heart disease because it is HDL which helps to remove cholesterol from cells. If your HDL is below 35, you have an increased risk for heart disease. Stay active and exercise. Talk with your doctor before beginning a vigorous exercise program, but a walking program is safe for almost everyone.