Heart Disease Risk Factors You Control

There are risk factors for heart disease that you have no control over, such as:

Age
Male sex
Family History
Post-menopausal
Race

You cannot do anything about the above risks, so there is no need to waste time dwelling on them. If you want to take action and reduce your risk of developing heart disease there are several controllable risk factors.

These include:

Tobacco use

If you smoke your risk of developing heart disease is 2-4 times higher than a nonsmoker. You’ve doubled your risk of having a heart attack if you smoke a pack of cigarettes per day. This applies to you if you smoke cigars or pipes even though cigarette smokers are in the highest risk category. Nonsmokers also must be aware of the dangers and increased risk if you are exposed to second hand smoke.

High cholesterol levels

This applies to you if you have an elevated total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and/or low HDL cholesterol. (There are exceptions to the rule. If you lead a healthy, active lifestyle and your levels are elevated work with your physician to investigate further with a comprehensive lipid panel to determine if you are at increased risk for heart disease or not.)

Here’s an e-course for your use: How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder leading to an enlarged, stiff heart. This causes the heart to not function efficiently and increases heart attack risk. As we go through these controllable risk factors remember that living with more than one risk factor increases your risk that much more. If you combine high blood pressure with obesity and high cholesterol levels your heart attack risk increases drastically.

Here’s an e-course for your use: 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Being physically active prevent heart disease and helps you manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and your weight. If you are physically inactive your risk for heart disease is increased.

Obesity

Like high blood pressure, obesity causes the heart to work harder which increases your heart disease risk even if you have no other risk factors. Being obese also contributes to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Diabetes

Diabetes, whether well-controlled or not, greatly increases your risk of developing heart disease. If you have diabetes it’s important to work with your physician to ensure your diabetes is under control.

High stress levels

Living with high levels of stress can impact heart disease risk. Some individuals cope with stress by overeating, smoking, or smoking more than they normally would.

Alcohol

Consuming excess alcohol can increase blood pressure, elevate triglycerides, and lead to weight gain which can all result in an increased risk for heart disease. Consuming a moderate amount of alcohol has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Moderate amounts equal one drink for men and two drinks for men per day. One drink is defined as 1 – ½ fluid ounces of 80-proof spirits, 1 fluid ounce 100-proof spirits, 4 fluid ounces of wine, or 12 fluid ounces of beer. If you do not currently drink it is not recommended that you start!

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
https://lisanelsonrd.com

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