The risk factors of heart disease can increase as you age, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Men are at greater risk for developing heart disease than women. Other factors for heart disease risk include obesity, diabetes and heredity. But there are major factors you can control to reduce the risk.
High Blood Cholesterol
High total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels may lead to heart disease. Excess cholesterol promotes the buildup of fatty plaque on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. The plaque eventually narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). If an artery becomes mostly or completely clogged, it can result in heart attack. Extra cholesterol enters the bloodstream through foods such as meats, eggs and dairy products. The main culprit in these foods and others is saturated fat, the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston points out. The institute recommends checking food labels to avoid foods containing high amounts of saturated fat. Cholesterol is a necessary substance to help the body's cells, but too much of it causes health risks. HDL, or good, cholesterol helps by flushing excess cholesterol out of the body's system. Exercise is one way to improve your HDL cholesterol levels.
High Blood Pressure
The heart is forced to work extra hard when there is high blood pressure, the AHA explains. The heart thickens and stiffens, increasing the risks of heart disease, heart attack and congestive heart failure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack or stroke even more when combined with high cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes or smoking. Blood pressure pushes against the wall of the arteries. If the pressure stays high over a period of time, it can damage the heart, blood vessels and other parts of the body. Even if you have normal blood pressure all your life, blood pressure can rise with age, the NHLBI notes. You can keep your blood pressure readings at a healthy level by following a healthy lifestyle and taking medication if needed. Be sure to stay on a treatment plan recommended by your doctor.
Smoking
A smoker's risk of developing heart disease is two to four times that of a nonsmoker, the AHA says. Smoking can cause a fatal heart attack for people with heart disease. The risks for heart disease increase greatly when added to other risk factors. Smoking increases the heart rate and tightens major arteries to make the heart work harder, the Texas Heart Institute explains. Although cigarette smoking causes a higher risk than other tobacco products, cigar and pipe smokers still have a higher risk of developing heart disease than nonsmokers. There is also the potential of nonsmokers being at risk by being exposed to other people's smoke.
