 There
are several risk factors, both modifiable and
non-modifiable, that can contribute to your risk for
developing cardiovascular disease (this refers to
diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels - arteries or veins).
Some of these risk
factors may be associated with inflammation, a
response the body has to injury. This inflammation
process appears to also contribute to the growth of
plaque in the artery. Knowing what your risk factors
are and what you can do about them is important in
reducing your risk for having a heart attack or stroke
in the future. For further information see our article
titled
Coronary Artery Disease, which includes
information about "vulnerable plaque."
What are risk factors that can increase your risk of
heart disease or stroke?
Non-modifiable risk factors are risk factors that a
person cannot change. Non-modifiable risk factors
include age, gender, and family and medical history.
- Age – risk increases in men over 45, and in women over 55.
- Family history – risk increases with family history of early heart
disease. (Father or brother under the age of 55, mother or sister under the age
of 65.)
- Medical history – risk increases when there is pre-existing heart
disease.
Modifiable risk factors are risk factors that can be reduced by changing your
lifestyle or habits.
- Abnormal Lipid Panel – Know what your LDL (bad), HDL (good)
cholesterol and triglyceride levels are and what you can do to improve them.
- High Blood Pressure – High blood pressure makes the heart and
arteries more prone to injury.
- Smoking – Smoking and secondhand smoke increases the risk for
cardiovascular disease.
- Physical inactivity – You are much more likely to develop heart
disease or have a stroke if you do not get regular exercise. Exercise also
helps control other risk factors such as blood pressure, weight, and stress.
- Overweight and Obesity – Being overweight puts you at risk for
health problems like blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart
disease. Determining your Body Mass Index (BMI) can help estimate your body
fat.
- Diabetes – Having diabetes greatly increases your risk of heart
disease.
- Unhealthy Diet – A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol or
high in sweets can increase your risk of heart disease and other health
problems.
Contributing Risk Factors:
- Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to heart
disease and stroke by increasing blood pressure and triglycerides levels.
- Stress – There is evidence that stress can have a direct affect on
blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and may accelerate hardening of the
arteries.
Talk to your physician about your risk factors and what to do about them.
6/23/2008
|
