A second heart attack can be more fatal than the first one, and it’s important to take steps to reduce the risk of recurrence. There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of a second heart attack.

Here are 30 ways to reduce the risk of a second heart attack:.

1. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of a second heart attack. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on your heart. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of a second heart attack. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about healthy ways to lose weight.

3. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

Eating a heart-healthy diet can help reduce your risk of a second heart attack. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.

4. Manage High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Work with your doctor to manage your blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication if needed.

5. Control High Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease. Work with your doctor to manage your cholesterol through diet and medication if needed.

6. Control Diabetes

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication if needed.

7. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of a second heart attack. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

8. Manage Stress

Stress can raise your blood pressure and contribute to heart disease. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or talking to a counselor.

9. Get Enough Sleep

Poor sleep can increase the risk of heart disease. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

10. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. If you drink alcohol, limit it to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

11. Take Medications as Prescribed

If your doctor prescribes medications, take them as directed. This can help control blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease.

12. Attend Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation can help you recover from a heart attack and reduce the risk of a second one. Talk to your doctor about enrolling in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

13. Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations for Follow-Up Tests

Your doctor may recommend follow-up tests such as blood tests, imaging tests, or stress tests. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations to monitor your heart health.

14. Get Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Get the flu shot every year and the pneumonia vaccine if recommended by your doctor.

15. Brush and Floss Regularly

Poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.

16. Wash Your Hands Regularly

Washing your hands regularly can help prevent infections that can increase the risk of heart disease.

17. Avoid Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of heart disease. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as much as possible.

18. Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution

Air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease. Avoid exercising outdoors in areas with high levels of air pollution and reduce exposure to indoor air pollution.

19. Manage Depression

Depression is a risk factor for heart disease. If you have depression, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

20. Practice Safe Sex

Sexual activity can increase the risk of heart attack, especially for people with existing heart disease. Talk to your doctor about any concerns and practice safe sex.

21. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Extremely hot or cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attack. Avoid extreme temperatures when possible and take precautions to stay safe in extreme temperatures.

22. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can increase the risk of heart attack. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine.

23. Eat Fish Twice a Week

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Aim to eat fish twice a week.

24. Use Spices Instead of Salt

High salt intake can increase the risk of heart disease. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to add flavor to your food.

25. Practice Good Posture

Bad posture can cause strain on your heart and lungs. Practice good posture by sitting and standing up straight.

26. Take Breaks from Sitting

Sitting for long periods can increase the risk of heart disease. Take breaks to stand up and stretch at least every hour.

27. Use a Helmet When Biking or Playing Contact Sports

Head injuries can increase the risk of heart disease. Use a helmet when biking or playing contact sports to protect your head.

28. Know the Signs of a Heart Attack

Knowing the signs of a heart attack can help you get prompt medical attention if needed. Signs include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea or lightheadedness, and pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

29. Know Your Family History

Family history can increase the risk of heart disease. Know your family history and share it with your doctor.

30. Stay Positive

Positive thinking can have a positive effect on your heart health. Stay positive and focus on the things you can do to reduce your risk of a second heart attack.