1. What are the most common symptoms of having a heart attack?
A. Most common symptoms can be chest pain or discomfort (at rest or with exercise), chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, limb pain, fatigue, and back pain.

2. What causes a heart attack?
A. Cholesterol level in the blood is the single most reliable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, stroke and poor circulation to the legs. The lower you can get your total cholesterol and the bad cholesterol (the LDL fraction), the lesser your risk.

3. How low should your cholesterol be?
A. The lower the better. According to population studies such as the Cornell-China Diet and Heart Study, it is evident that heart and vascular disease are virtually nonexistent in people such as in two rural counties of northeast China where average cholesterol (total) runs around 130-150. Therefore, a goal of 150 mgs of total and 75 of LDL cholesterol are to be aimed at, for maximal risk reduction.

4. What should my blood pressure be?
A. Blood pressure can vary according to your sex, age, genetics, ethnicity, however, optimal blood pressure should range from the 100-120’s (top number or systolic) over 60-75 (bottom number or diastolic).

5. What can be done to prevent a heart attack?
A. Quit smoking if you smoke or abuse tobacco in any form. Effective treatment is now available for nicotine addiction provided you are motivated to quit. A sustained effort led by your doctor and with support by family, most often leads to successful cessation of smoking.

Regular exercise such as a brisk walk for 15-20 minutes twice daily or for 30 minutes once a day and maintaining your blood pressure and cholesterol level are very helpful. One aspirin daily and a combination of vitamins C, and folic acid as supplements are also of proven value.