Heart disease is high on the list of causes of death in the United States. It’s crucial to know if you’re at risk. Most causes are avoidable with easy lifestyle changes. Maintaining a proper diet, along with regular exercise, are two things you can do to lower your risk.
Hypertension
Chronic high blood pressure causes the heart to have to work harder, making it more difficult to pump blood. This can cause it to become weak. Those who suffer from hypertension have a greater risk of developing heart disease.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which causes the heart to have to work harder to pump blood through the body. Too much unhealthy cholesterol – known as LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) – in the body is a major cause of heart disease.
Smoking
It’s been long established that there’s a connection between smoking and heart disease. This bad habit increases blood pressure and puts unnecessary strain on the heart. Smoking also damages the arteries, which negatively impacts the heart’s ability to do its job.
Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to high blood pressure which can weaken the heart. It can also increase blood sugar levels which can eventually lead to a hardening of the arteries. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, restricts blood flow in the arteries.
Genetics
Those with a family history of heart disease have a much greater risk of developing heart-related issues than those without.
Protect Yourself From Heart Disease by Knowing the Risk Factors
Many risk factors for heart disease can be avoided. Correcting or managing health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure is key to keeping the risks of developing heart disease low. Consult with your primary care physician to learn more about the risks of this often-preventable condition.
