Are You At Risk For Heart Disease?

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Are You At Risk For Heart Disease?

The "risk factors" for coronary heart disease (CHD) can be divided into two categories:

 

Risk Factors You Can't Do Anything About

Some risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) are beyond your control.

Remember that having an uncontrollable risk factor for CHD does not mean that

you are destined to develop CHD. It does mean, however, that you should do what

you can to care for your heart's health.

Age: The older you get, the more likely you are to develop CHD Race: Black

individuals are more likely than white individuals to develop CHD because they

develop high blood pressure (hypertension) more often. High blood pressure

increases risk for CHD.

Gender: Middle-aged men have a higher risk of CHD than middle-aged women do. The

risk of CHD is similar in postmenopausal women and in men. Heredity: The genetic

make-up of some individuals increases their chances of developing CHD.

Risk Factors You Can Do Something About

High cholesterol levels: High levels of blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)

contribute to the build-up of plaques that can clog the blood vessels leading to

the heart, narrowing them and potentially blocking blood flow to the heart.

High blood pressure (hypertension): High blood pressure strains the heart and

increases wear and tear on the blood vessels, making blockage more likely.

Smoking: The Surgeon General of the United States has stated that cigarette

smoking is the most important of the known modifiable risk factors for CHD.

Nicotine in cigarettes speeds up the heart and also narrows the arteries,

making it harder for enough blood to get through.

Being overweight: According to the American Heart Association guidelines,

obesity is a major risk factor for CHD. Obesity increases blood pressure, blood

cholesterol levels, and the risk of diabetes, and may directly contribute to

CHD.

Inactivity: When you are inactive, your circulation is less efficient,

increasing risk of blood vessel blockage.

Stress: Stress can increase blood pressure in some individuals.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease?

In order to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), you first must

identify what may be putting you at risk. Determine if you're at risk by

reviewing your lifestyle and diet. Ask your physician to check your blood

cholesterol level. If you have only one uncontrollable risk factor, smoking or

being overweight could make it worse.

Even if you are at risk for coronary heart disease, you can eliminate many of

the major risk factors for CHD by making simple changes in diet and lifestyle.

These changes are healthy for the entire family and reduce your risk of other

diseases as well. They include:

Control your cholesterol level

Control high blood pressure (hypertension)

Stop smoking

Lose weight if you need to

Get active

Manage stress

Other Health Benefits

Changes such as low-fat eating, regular exercise, not smoking, and maintaining a

healthy body weight will help you feel better, look better, and have more

energy. Besides reducing your risk for coronary heart disease, you'll also

reduce your risk for:

Certain kinds of cancer

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Stroke Osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become weak and susceptible to fractures)

Even if your risk for coronary heart disease is high, you can reduce that risk

immediately by changing your diet, exercise, and smoking habits. And since a

low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is appropriate for

all people 2 years of age or older, your entire family can benefit

 

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