Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?
According to the American Heart Association you could be at risk of developing
heart disease if you answer yes to any of these questions.
Do you smoke?
Smokers have a higher risk of heart disease. Smoking contributes to blocked
arteries, increased blood pressure and increases blood clotting time.
Are you overweight?
Extra weight also means additional stress on your heart. It is also directly
linked with unhealthy cholesterol levels and negatively influences blood
pressure.
Do you have high LDL (bad) cholesterol?
Reduce your risk of developing heart disease by lowering your LDL cholesterol.
Too much LDL cholesterol can result in plaque deposits of the interior walls of
the arteries. This artery clogging condition is known as atherosclerosis.
Do you have low HDL (good) cholesterol?
High levels of HDL cholesterol is actually a good thing. HDL is the good form
of cholesterol that is believed to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and
back to the liver where it is filtered from the blood stream then eventually
removed from the body.
Are you diabetic?
Diabetics are already at an increased risk of coronary heart disease and
stroke. By closely monitoring and controlling their disease through diet and
weight management, they can also reduce the likelihood of developing heart
disease.
Do you have a family history of heart disease?
Let's face it. You can't change your family heritage. But you can modify your
lifestyle enough to make a difference. If you have a family member with heart
disease you have an increased risk of developing it yourself. Get a handle on
it before it's too late. Start now by making dietary changes, exercise
regularly and see your healthcare provider.
Are you over 45 years old?
Increasing age significantly influences the risk of heart disease and several
other health conditions.
Are you male?
Although heart disease does affect both genders, men are at greater risk.
