Denise Walters, Gleaner Writer

Eat right and exercise is the mantra chanted by health professionals to have a healthy life. So, despite this, why would a seemingly healthy woman under 50 suffer from a heart attack?

According to cardiologist Dr. Angella Williams-Wright, eating and exercising right may not always be enough. She explains that there are persons whose bodies make bad cholesterol. Similarly, younger women who suffer from heartburn, high blood pressure, diabetes, stress and who may have a family history of heart disease are at greater risk.

If this is the case, why should these women exercise and eat right when inevitably they are still at risk of suffering from a heart attack?

Eat right and exercise

Williams-Wright says that it is essential that these women continue to exercise and eat right. There are medications that can be prescribed for women whose bodies make bad cholesterol. Exercise reduces stress and high blood pressure. Eating green, yellow, and orange-coloured vegetables that are all rich in minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals, will boost immunity and protect against disease.

"Eating healthy and exercising improves the immune system making it stronger and better able to fight off micro-organisms. It would be best to have a dietician create a diet specific to the individual because eating healthy is relative. It comes down to the food we eat, certain food will have to be eliminated from the diet."

She also notes that other lifestyle changes are needed as well.

"Along with exercising and eating healthier, it is important to note that certain behavioural and habitual changes will have to be made. These women will have to maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol use or avoid it. Avoid tobacco, sugar, fried foods, animal fats, and hydrogenated oils, know and control their blood pressure, and avoid and reduce stress through deep breathing exercises, relaxation, meditation, Yoga, or different forms of exercise."