Heart disease is the most common cause of death for women and men. Each year in America about 785,000 people experience their first heart attack, notes the Centers for Disease Control. There are many different risk factors for heart disease. Some risks for this disease are inherited and others are due to lifestyle and health choices.
High Cholesterol
When a patient has high cholesterol fatty build-occurs in the arteries and makes them narrower. Blood flow to the heart may be impeded or may stop. Eventually this may cause a heart attack or other types of cardiac problems such as pain in the chest or difficulty breathing. A high cholesterol level is a strong risk factor for heart disease.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure raises the risk of heart failure and coronary heart disease. High blood pressure adds stress to the function of the heart; it increases risk of serious heart problems.
Obesity
Obesity is a serious risk for heart disease. When the body carries too much weight the heart becomes stressed. Obesity may contribute to the development of heart disease or a heart attack.
Lack of Exercise
A lack of exercise is a risk factor for heart disease. The body needs movement to function at its best and to stay healthy. Regular exercise helps prevent cardiac disease.
Family History
Another risk factor for heart disease is a family history of heart problems. Some cardiac disorders may have a genetic link. Also, families tend to share similar dietary choices. Thus if family elders develop heart disease it indicates that the younger generation may need to learn how to make healthier food choices.
Smoking
Smoking is a known health hazard and raises risk for heart disease. Smoking damages the arteries. Smokers whose intake is one pack of cigarettes a day have doubled the risk for a heart attack than people who do not smoke, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. This disorder weakens the overall health of the body via fluctuating levels of blood sugar. High levels of blood sugar stress the heart and many other organs too.
Menopause
The hormonal changes that occur during menopause increase heart disease risk for women. As estrogen levels decrease in menopause the risk for heart disease increases.
Alcohol
Excessive use of alcohol increases the risk for heart disease by adding to the levels of fat flowing in the arteries. Too much alcohol may lead to congestive heart failure and alcoholic cardiomyopathy, notes the Women's Heart Foundation.
C-Reactive Protein
Above average levels of C-reactive protein, which is linked to inflammation in the body, may be a risk factor for heart disease. As the level of this protein increases in the body so does the risk for a heart attack.
