For those of you suffering from heart disease or who have a history of cardiovascular health problems in your family, consider the many ways you can lower your heart disease risk. By maintaining your health and taking preventive measures, you can help lower your risk of heart disease.
Preventive cardiovascular care includes choosing healthy foods and adopting healthy habits, such as engaging in regular physical activity and refraining from smoking. Some of the primary risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol. Other risk factors may be due to genetics, as it can play a part in the development of heart disease if there is a family history of cardiovascular events.
Lowering Heart Disease Risk
To lower your heart disease risk, consider maintaining a healthy weight, choosing healthy food and drink options, quitting smoking, and adopting healthy habits over unhealthy ones. By incorporating physical activity into your daily life and choosing healthy food options, you lower the risk of heart disease.
Food high in cholesterol, trans fat, and saturated fats has been linked to heart disease. Additionally, too much salt (sodium) in your diet can raise your blood pressure. For those not getting enough physical activity, the chance of heart disease is also increased.
Conditions That Can Increase Heart Disease Risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a range of conditions that can increase the risk of an individual experiencing a cardiovascular event. Some of the conditions that increase the risk of heart disease include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Unhealthy cholesterol levels
- Obesity
High blood pressure occurs when the pressure of the blood in the arteries and other blood vessels is too high. When uncontrolled, blood pressure can affect the major organs in the body, including the heart, brain, and kidneys. High blood pressure may present with no symptoms and is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.”
As humans, we require glucose (sugar) for energy. When your body does not produce enough insulin, diabetes can develop. This leads to a buildup of sugar in the blood.
Unhealthy cholesterol levels can lead to arterial narrowing and reduced blood flow to the kidneys, heart, and brain. There are two main types of cholesterol, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
LDL cholesterol may cause plaque buildup in the arteries and is considered “bad” cholesterol, while HDL is considered “good” because higher levels can protect against heart disease. Obesity also plays a factor, as those with excess body weight can experience high blood pressure and diabetes.
Factors That Can Increase Heart Disease Risk
There are specific behaviors that can increase your risk of heart disease. Some of these include the following:
- Genetics and family history – you may have a predisposition to cardiovascular issues
- Age – the risk increases as you age
- Tobacco use – smoking damages blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack or heart conditions such as atherosclerosis
- Drinking alcohol – drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels and may increase levels of triglycerides
Be in control of your medical situation by speaking with a healthcare team about your lifestyle and how to lower your risk of heart disease.
Find Treatment Today
At United Heart Institute, we offer a wide array of patient resources and cardiology services. Our team of doctors can check your cholesterol levels and help determine the severity of cardiovascular disease. Whether your doctor informed you of poor test results or you want to take control of your health, we can help.
Contact United Heart Institute today to speak with one of our professionals who can inform you of our many services that benefit your cardiovascular health.
