Heart attacks are synonymous with poor lifestyle habits that contribute to health problems, like high cholesterol.

While healthy cholesterol is indispensable for protecting the heart, a doctor has warned that other factors should not be overlooked.

In a recent clip, Dr Anette Bosworth, MD, named what she believes are the five “best foods to prevent a heart attack”.

Five types of fish, namely sardines, herring, mackerel, salmon, and anchovies, support heart health due to their high omega-3 content.

Omega-3 fatty acids can modestly reduce blood pressure

GETTY

“The old way of measuring whether or not you were going to have a heart attack began with a 1950s test which looked at the LDL or bad cholesterol,” Dr Bosworth explained.

“This is a terrible way to tell if you’re going to die of a heart attack. I would rather see your omega-3 index.”

She referenced a 2002 study that examined ambulance patients to determine survival outcomes.

“A low index predicted death, and those with the highest omega-3 index were 90 per cent less likely to die,” explained Dr Bosworth.

“So the five foods highest in omega-3s are sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon and herring.”

Preliminary findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine, in 2018, also highlighted the protective effects of omega-3 against heart attacks.

One of the key ways omega-3 may protect against heart attack is by reducing the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat.

The molecules also slow the plaque build-up responsible for hardening the arteries and causing blockages.

Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids

GETTY

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish oil may also reduce blood pressure in some individuals.

How to get omega-3 levels checked?

Those curious to know their levels can book a blood test, specifically an omega-3 index test or a fatty acids profile test.

While the NHS doesn’t routinely check omega-3 levels as part of standard health checks, they recommend consuming at least two portions of fish a week.

This should include one portion of oily fish, according to the health body, to ensure adequate intake of the beneficial fatty acids.

Share.
Exit mobile version