Considerable research has been conducted to identify factors that puts you at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and a heart attack. The more risk factors for heart disease that you have, the greater the chances are of you developing a buildup of plaque in your arteries, and potentially leading to you developing coronary heart disease.
Some risk factors, such as your age, gender and family history, cannot be changed, but other risks factors, like being overweight or smoking can be altered to reduce your risk factors.
You can be more prone to heart disease depending on these factors.
- Increased age. According to the American Heart Association, you are more likely to die of coronary heart disease if you are at 65 years of age or older.
- Being male. Men have a higher risk of having a heart attack than women.
- Have a family history. If your parents had heart disease, you are at a higher risk of developing it too.
- Be of a certain race. If you are Mexican-American, African American, native Hawaiian, or an American Indian, you may have a higher risk of heart disease. Some Asian-Americans also are at a greater risk.
- Indulge in cigarette smoking. Use of tobacco smoke leads to a higher independent risk factor of developing coronary heart disease.
- Have high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure. Your risk of heart disease increases if you have high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure.
- Have diabetes. People with diabetes have a much higher risk of heart disease. Nearly 70 percent of individuals with diabetes, die as a result of some type of heart disease.
- Live a sedentary lifestyle. If you live a physically inactive lifestyle, you are more prone to coronary heart disease.
- Are overweight or obese. Individuals who have excess body fat, particularly if it resides around the waist, having a greater risk of stroke and heart disease.
Other Factors
Besides the above risks, other factors can increase your chance of developing cardiovascular disease, including being under regular stress, eating an unhealthy diet and drinking above moderate levels of alcohol.
How to Prevent Heart Disease
As mentioned, some factors such as your weight and activity levels are usually under your control. Take steps to improve upon the risk factors you can, to improve your heart health. Discuss your risk factors with your cardiologist and talk about ways to reduce them.
Increase Your Knowledge of Heart Health
Here at At Premier Heart and Vein Care, we have a cardiology team who is dedicated to help improve your cardiovascular health and provide expert vein treatment, hear care, and vein care. Call us at 1-805-979-4777 to schedule an appointment today.
