Heart Attack: Are You At Risk?
One of the most common causes of death today is a heart attack. Heart disease can literally strike people of any age, any nationality. Unfortunately, the majority of people discover they have heart disease on the very day they are admitted to the hospital. You may not realize it, but you are more likely to die of heart disease than from any form of cancer.
Modern life certainly contributes greatly to the incidence of heart attack. Working long hours, not taking time to exercise, and eating fast food can all contribute to an individual’s risk. In general, many of us are less active today than our ancestors were, putting us at greater risk of developing heart disease.
Risk Factors That Can’t Be Changed
There are certain risk factors for heart disease that you have no control over.
These include:
• Heredity—If your parents, grandparents, or siblings had heart disease, you are at greater risk.
• Gender—Men are generally at greater risk than women, although a woman’s risk can increase after menopause.
• Age—As you become older, your risk increases. In fact, after age 40 you should have regular heart disease screenings.
Things You Can Control
There are certain risks that you can control. These include:
• Smoking—If you smoke, your risk for heart attack doubles. This is because smoking places extra strain on your heart and lungs and leads to blocked arteries.
• High Blood Cholesterol—If you have too much cholesterol in your diet, your risk increases.
• High Blood Pressure—Usually, you don’t learn that you have high blood pressure until it reaches a dangerous level.
• Inactivity—If you simply walk ten minutes each day, you can significantly reduce your risk.
• Obesity—If you are seriously overweight, you’re placing additional strain on your heart, increasing your risk.
What to Do if You’re at Risk
If you find you’re at risk for heart disease, there are certainly some common sense things you can do to reduce your risk. First, visit your doctor for a thorough check-up. Next, begin exercising, gradually working your way up to at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Eat foods that are low in fat and kick the smoking habit. By taking these simple steps, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease in the process. Your body will thank you!