Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the nation. It is important to understand the risk factors and preventative measures of heart disease. You can learn to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, improving your overall health and well-being.
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Irregular physical activity
- Family history of heart disease
- Unhealthy diet
- Over age 55 – women
- Over age 45 – men
These risk factors can increase your chances of developing heart disease. While some risk factors are inevitable, such as sex, age, and family history, others can be easily monitored or avoided.
Preventative Measures
Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks
High blood pressure can damage your heart and blood vessels over time. Most adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, so your doctor can monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Healthy diet
Choosing protein-rich foods, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and limiting saturated fats and sugars in your diet with lead to heart-healthy eating!
Healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight limits the amount of extra stress put on your heart and blood vessels.
Regular physical activity
Regular physical activity can strengthen your heart by helping you maintain a healthy weight and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Manage stress
Managing your stress levels can prevent heart attacks, high blood pressure, and other heart disease risk factors.
No smoking
Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and can worsen other heart disease risk factors!
Quality sleep
While you sleep, your body works to repair your heart and strengthen your blood vessels. Over time, not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure.
Reviewed by James F. Carsten M.D.
Dr. Carsten is a Specialist in Family Medicine at Galen Mountain View Medicine.
