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Risk Factors For Heart Disease


 It can be difficult to manage coronary disease or CAD. Plaque builds up in the walls and arteries that supply the heart. Angina, chest pain and eventually a heart attack can result. Some people may feel no symptoms until the end of the disease.

CAD is also known as heart disease or coronary heart disease and causes approximately 735,000 fatal heart attacks each year in the U.S.A.

Heart disease is a common condition that often goes untreated. It is therefore important to identify the risk factors.

What Increases Your Risk of Heart Disease?

You have some control over certain risk factors for heart disease, while others are beyond your control. These are some of the uncontrollable risk factors that can lead to heart disease.

  • Being male

  • Ageing

  • A family history of heart disease

  • Being postmenopausal

  • Race (African Americans, Native Americans, and Mexican American are more likely to develop heart disease).

Lifestyle is a key factor in heart disease risk factors. These are:

  • Smoking

  • Unhealthy cholesterol numbers

  • High blood pressure uncontrolled

  • Inactivity

  • Obesity (having an BMI higher than 25)

  • Uncontrolled diabetes

  • High C R-reactive protein

  • Anger, depression, and uncontrolled stress are all possible.

  • Poor diet

  • Alcohol use

How can you lower your risk of developing heart disease?

Research has shown that lifestyle changes can make it more likely to avoid heart disease in half of the cases. These lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke and often improve your mental and physical health. These lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of developing heart disease.

Stop smoking. Smoking can be a major risk factor. Nonsmokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack and are more likely than smokers to die. Stop smoking. Even better, quit smoking . Even if you don’t smoke, your risk of developing heart disease is increased by constant exposure to secondhand smoke from others.

Increase cholesterol. Unhealthy cholesterol levels increase your risk of developing heart disease. Your age, gender, health history, and family history can all impact the right levels. Talk to your doctor about the best levels for you. Your levels should look like this:

  • Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL

  • "Good" or HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL and greater

  • "Bad" or LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL

  • Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

An diet that is low in cholesterol, saturated, trans fats, simple sugars, as well as simple carbohydrates, can lower cholesterol for some people. Regular exercise can help reduce "bad" cholesterol, and sometimes even raise "good" cholesterol.

Your doctor might recommend a cholesterol medication such as a statin to lower your levels.

Control high blood pressure. high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for developing heart disease in the United States. It affects approximately 67 million people. Nearly one in three adults has high blood pressure. This is defined as high systolic pressure (the highest number) above 130 and/or diastolic pressure (the lowest number) below 80. Your lifestyle and health will all be considered when assessing your blood pressure. Your doctor and you can create a plan together to control your blood pressure. This could include diet, exercise and weight management.

Control diabetes. Diabetes can be dangerous if it is not controlled. Diabetes can be controlled by eating a healthy diet, exercising, keeping a healthy body weight, and taking the prescribed medication.

Get active. People who do not exercise are more likely to develop heart disease than those who do moderate levels of activity. Walking or light gardening can help lower your risk of developing heart disease.

The majority of people should exercise for 30 minutes per day at a moderate intensity on most days. Talk to your doctor before you do any vigorous exercise. Use large muscles to increase your heart rate. Aerobic exercises which increase your heart rate include walking, biking, swimming and jumping rope. Jogging also helps. To increase your strength and endurance, you can lift weights.

Make an exercisemenu if motivation is a problem. Choose a few activities that you find enjoyable. You'll always have options. Before you start any exercise program make sure to consult your doctor, especially if there are any underlying conditions or if you haven't exercised in awhile.

eat right. A heart-healthy diet is low in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, refined sugars, and trans fat. Increase your intake of vitamins and nutrients, particularly antioxidants. This will help lower your risk of developing heart disease. You should also eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts.

Think about. Limit alcohol. Moderate drinking is fine, but excessive alcohol consumption is not good for your heart. What is moderate drinking? Women can have up to one glass per day, while men can have as many as two glasses.

Keep your weight under control Obesity can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Excess weight can also put strain on your heart. It can increase your risk for other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor about a safe weight loss plan or how to determine the ideal body weight to support your heart health.

Manage stress. Stress and anger that is not controlled can lead to heart disease. Here are some ways to do it:

  • Relaxation techniques include meditation, tai-chi, Yoga, guided imagery and deep breathing.

  • Talk therapy can be done with a therapist, in a group setting, for anger management, anxiety, and other issues.

  • Time management. You'll feel less stressed about getting things done if you plan your time well.

  • Setting realistic goals. Be realistic about the things you can accomplish. You can create stress if you promise too much to others or yourself.

Discuss your medical history with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your life and your family's medical history. You will be able to create a plan that is most suitable for you.


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