Heart Disease is the number one killer in America today. There are literally hundreds of millions of people that have been diagnosed with heart disease. Most people do not know that they are at risk until it’s too late to reverse it, such as congestive heart failure. The best prevention methods are simply to pay attention to what you eat and do.
The most common modifiable (control) risk factor for heart attacks and strokes is
– High Blood Pressure
– High cholesterol
– Diabetes
– Unhealthy eating
– Physical inactivity
Smoking is the number one preventable cause of sudden death
Smoking directly increases your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). It also leads to high blood pressure, which is the third most common reason for heart attack. Cigarette smoking also contributes to the growth of plaque on artery walls, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. To help lower your risk of heart attack, quit smoking.
Alcohol use is another risk factor for heart attack
Studies show that men who consume large amounts of alcohol have approximately twice the risk of developing CAD as men who are in a healthy weight.
Men who are overweight are at an even greater risk of developing coronary artery disease as well as all of the other conditions caused by cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. This is especially true in the United States. One of the best ways to decrease the risk of heart attack is through the promotion of healthy weight loss.
Diabetes and heart disease are strongly connected because both increase the risk factors. People who are predisposed to diabetes are much more likely to develop it. As a person ages, the risk factors become higher. Therefore, screening and testing for diabetes and heart disease become an important part of prevention.
Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and alcoholic beverages all contribute to the risk factors
Smoking is the leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease. The other main contributor is tobacco use, and second-hand smoking is even worse. Cigars, pipes, and cigarettes are some of the leading causes of death in the United States. One of the keys to increasing your chances of preventing heart attacks and other heart problems is to quit smoking.
Other ways to prevent coronary artery disease and other health problems is to have regular dental visits, get cholesterol checked regularly, and watch your weight.
Your lifestyle has a big impact on your risk factors. If you are inactive, your chances of developing coronary artery disease are much higher than if you are active. If you are a smoker, quitting can be difficult. Quitting smoking can be one of the most important aspects of prevention.
Other things that affect your health and increase your risk for heart disease include excess weight, being female, having high blood pressure, high body-mass index, age, and diabetes.
Being male increases your chances of heart disease because men are more prone to developing coronary artery disease. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to develop hypertension or diabetes if they are overweight.
Lastly, the body-mass index or the amount of weight you carry around can also affect your chances for certain health problems. People who carry extra weight tend to be on the overweight side, and extra-weight people are at greater risk for developing coronary artery disease.
Women usually start losing weight when they reach their thirties. Most doctors recommend that young adult women begin to lose about two pounds every week until they are able to lose about six pounds in a year.
Although many young adult women may choose to lose weight quickly, this is not always a good idea. Weight loss too quickly can cause serious health problems because there is no time for the body to adjust to the new weight.
It is recommended that young adult women look into following these four important lifestyle changes. They include
– Quitting smoking
– Maintaining a healthy weight
– Maintaining a low body-mass index
– Maintaining regular cardiovascular risk factors
You can visit the American Heart Association’s online website to find more information on these important lifestyle changes. There you will also find helpful information on how to create a daily diet menu and how to get started with the exercise program.
Being aware of your risk factors for heart problems may help you avoid the diseases. Keeping your weight within the recommended range, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly will help lower your risk of heart problems.
The Mediterranean diet is a diet that has been shown to lower the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and heart attack. If you need to find out more information about the diet, talk with your doctor or an associate at the local hospital or medical clinic.
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