Heart Attack Risks and Prevention

RISK FACTORS

1. High-carbohydrate diet: drives insulin production, high triglycerides, and conversion of VLDL into dangerous, small LDL.
2. High-polyunsaturated diet: promotes oxidation and inflammation, allowing small, dense LDL to damage arteries.
3. Statin use: compromises cellular energy production (depleted CoQ10), damages muscles and liver, and lower HDL.
4. Exercise: not enough promotes insulin resistance or too much produces excessive cortisol and oxidative stress.
5. Genetics: predispositions are usually only relevant when combined with adverse lifestyle choices (insulin, chronic exercise, stress, e.g.)

PREVENTION TIPS

1. Eliminate processed carbohydrates: moderates insulin, lowers triglycerides, and raises HDL.
2. Eliminate polyunsaturated fats: reduces oxidation and inflammation.
3. Increase saturated fat intake: raises HDL.
4. Eat like your ancestors: moderates insulin, balances omega-6:omega-3 ratio, boosts anti-oxidants.
5. Exercise like your ancestors: raises HDL, lowers triglycerides, lowers small, dense LDL.
6. Moderate stress: sleep, sun, play--reconnect with genetic requirements for health.
7. Blood tests: focus on triglycerides, fasting blood glucose and insulin, LDL particle size, and C-reactive protein (a marker of systemic inflammation).