According to the American Heart Association, over 1 million Americans are diagnosed with heart disease each year. There are a number of risk factors that have been shown to accelerate one's risk. They include poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, age and genetic background and family history. Any one of these can increase your risk for having a heart attack.
Saturated Fats and Your Health
People who consume foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol have higher concentrations of low density lipoproteins in the blood. LDLs are responsible for the accumulation of plaque inside the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. Over time, this accumulation can lead to the occlusion of blood flow, leading to angina or a heart attack.
Exercise and HDL Cholesterol
Sedentary individuals who get less than three hours of exercise a week typically have lower concentrations of high density lipoproteins, or the good type of cholesterol. HDLs carry away LDLs and help prevent the accumulation of plaque inside the coronary arteries.
Blood Pressure
People with unmanaged blood pressure can damage the inside of their arteries, accelerating the buildup of cholesterol inside the arteries. Getting more exercise and managing your blood pressure with prescription medications can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease.
Unmanaged Diabetes
Diabetics (either Type I or Type II) who fail to manage their disease can expect a host of secondary conditions that include kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness and loss of limb. It can also accelerate coronary artery disease. Managing diabetes through diet, exercise and medications can lower your risk for heart disease.
Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smokers inhale carbon monoxide and hundreds of other toxic chemicals that damage the inside lining of the arteries. Damaged arteries tend to promote the accumulation of cholesterol inside the coronary arteries. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to eliminate your risk for heart disease.
Choose Your Parents Well
African and Native Americans are at higher risk for heart disease than Caucasians, Asians and other ethnic groups. Increased age also puts you at a higher risk for heart disease. If you have a family history of heart disease, then you're also at higher risk for a heart attack than those who don't. If you're over 50 years of age or belong to any one of these groups, it's important that you watch your cholesterol intake, get plenty of exercise, and manage your diabetes and blood pressure.
