Heart disease affects millions of men and women each year. It is the leading cause of death for people over 60. Be aware of your risk factors. You can do a lot to help prevent heart disease from happening to you.
Healthy habits now could save your life later!
WHAT ARE MY RISK FACTORS?: Heart disease can be caused by many factors. Some you can change and some you cannot.
Factors you cannot change:
- Age-Your risk increases as you get older. It is most common in people over the age of 40-45.
- Family History-If your family members have heart disease, you are more likely to have it.
- Sex-You have more risk of heart disease if you are a man. A woman's risk increases with her age.
Factors you can change:
- Smoking-Smokers have more heart attacks than people who do not smoke. If you smoke, quit.
- Blood Pressure-High blood pressure puts a strain on your heart. Have it checked regularly and treat it if it is too high.
- Exercise-Staying active helps keep your heart healthy. Get some exercise on most days.
- Weight-Too much body fat makes your heart work too hard. A healthy weight helps keep your heart healthy too.
- Cholesterol-Too much cholesterol in your blood can clog your arteries. Cut back on saturated fat, eat plenty of fruits and veggies and get some exercise on most days.
- Diabetes-People with uncontrolled diabetes are at a high risk of heart disease. Checking blood sugar level on a regular basis and keeping diabetes under control can cut the risk.
- Stress-Reducing stress or changing the way you deal with stress can lower the risk of heart disease.
Talk with your doctor about changes you can make to help prevent heart disease.
