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Are You At Risk?
Any of the risk factors listed here can increase your risk of heart problems. Some factors can be changed, treated or controlled, and some can’t. But the more risk factors you have, the more danger your heart is in. Heart Disease Risk Factors Major risk factors that can’t be changed: Increasing Age – 80% of people who die of heart attacks are over 65. and older women are twice as likely as men to die within a few weeks of a heart attack. Heredity (including race) – If your family has a strong history of heart disease, you are more likely to develop it yourself. Your race can be an important contributor as well. Gender – Men are more likely to suffer heart attacks than women, and have attacks earlier in life. Menopause – If you are post-menopausal, your chances of developing, and dying from, heart disease increase significantly. Major risk factors that can be changed: Smoking – If you smoke, you are twice as likely to have a heart attack. Smoking also acts with other risk factors to increase your chance for coronary heart disease. High Blood Pressure – High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder, causing it to enlarge and weaken over time. It also increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure. High Blood Cholesterol – As these levels rise, so does your risk of coronary artery disease. And if you have other factors (like high blood pressure and smoking), your risk increases even more. Physical Inactivity – An inactive lifestyle can lead to heart disease. By exercising regularly, you can help control your weight, blood cholesterol, risk for diabetes and, in some cases, lower your blood pressure. Obesity – Excess weight increases the strain on your heart. If you have an excessive amount of body fat, you’re more likely to develop heart disease, even if you don’t have any other risk factors. Diabetes – Diabetes seriously increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. About two-thirds of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. Factors that contribute to heart disease risk: Stress – Your response to stress may be detrimental to the health of your heart. For example, if you’re under stress, you may overeat, start smoking or smoke more than normal. Substance/Alcohol Abuse – If you have a history of substance abuse, particularly cocaine and alcohol abuse, you are at greater risk for heart disease, suicide and serious accidents. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease The best way to fight heart disease is to reduce the risk. While not all risk factors can be reduced or eliminated, race and family history for example, many risk factors can be altered. Follow these 10 guidelines for a healthy heart:
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