Seek urgent medical care immediately if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, weakness on one side, or trouble speaking
See a doctor for evaluation if you suspect artery blockage
Follow prescribed medications exactly as directed
Take statins if prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol
Take blood pressure medicines if prescribed
Take diabetes medicines if prescribed
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds
Choose fish and other lean proteins
Use unsaturated fats instead of trans fats and limit saturated fats
Reduce salt intake
Limit added sugars and refined carbohydrates
Exercise regularly as approved by your doctor
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week
Maintain a healthy weight
Control blood pressure
Control blood sugar
Lower LDL cholesterol
Reduce triglycerides
Limit alcohol
Manage stress
Sleep enough each night
Treat sleep apnea if present
Consider supervised cardiac rehabilitation if recommended
Ask your doctor about antiplatelet therapy if appropriate
Ask your doctor about procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery if blockage is severe
Do not rely on supplements or detoxes to unclog arteries
Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice