Preventing a heart attack is fundamentally about managing the drivers of arterial plaque progression. Core targets include quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, lowering LDL cholesterol, and maintaining healthy glucose regulation. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern—with fewer trans fats and ultra-processed foods, higher fiber intake, and controlled sodium—forms the nutritional backbone. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week improves cardiovascular fitness and metabolic health. Weight management, sleep quality, and stress reduction meaningfully improve the overall risk profile. In higher-risk individuals—especially with strong family history or established disease—clinician-guided medications (such as statins or antiplatelet therapy) may be a critical part of the prevention package. The most common mistake is waiting for symptoms before taking action; a heart attack can be the first symptom. Regular screening and proactive management are strategic prevention tools.