|
| |
How You Can Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
There are many risk factors that can lead to heart disease and heart attack. Some are
beyond an individual's control but others are directly related to conscious decisions that
are made every day about lifestyle, health and well-being. No one can alter a family
medical history that may make he or she a prime candidate for heart problems, however,
that same individual can decrease his or her chances of heart disease by refraining from
smoking and over eating or excessive drinking. And, although it may be impossible to stop
the natural aging process which increases the chance of developing heart disease, people
can take steps to reduce their odds by managing the level of stress and anxiety in their
life. When looking at your own personal risk of developing heart disease, it is important,
of course, to be aware of the uncontrollable risk factors in your life and the impact they
may have on your health. But, it is equally important to take responsibility for those
areas of your life that are within your power to influence or regulate.
There are three major risk factors that you can control to protect yourself from heart
disease: blood pressure, blood cholesterol and smoking. Inactivity and stress will also
add to your probability of acquiring heart problems. If these dangers are eliminated or
addressed accordingly, the probability of heart disease will decrease significantly. In
fact, individuals who have suffered a heart attack, but have since restructured their life
in a healthier way, may actually end up in better shape than they were prior to the
attack.
Smoking is one of the most menacing -- yet easiest to avoid -- risk factors for heart
disease. Cigarette smoke causes blood vessels to constrict, requiring the heart to work
harder. At the same time, smoke decreases blood flow and elevates blood pressure. Smoking
also raises carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream, decreasing the amount of oxygen
that reaches the heart and other organs. And, if you smoke and have high blood pressure or
blood cholesterol, you increase your chances of heart disease even more significantly.
Smokers who quit smoking, however, can dramatically reduce their risk of heart disease. In
fact, their risk will decline very quickly and reduce to about half what is was while they
were smoking.
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding saturated fats as well as foods high in
cholesterol and salt will also reduce your risk of heart disease. Studies have
unequivocally proven that people with high blood cholesterol are more likely to develop
heart disease than people with lower levels of blood cholesterol. Cholesterol -- a fatty
substance -- can accumulate in artery walls narrowing the passageway through an artery. A
heart attack occurs when a blood clot forms in a narrowed coronary artery, blocking off
the flow of blood to the heart. A stroke is the result of the same happening in an artery
leading to the brain. Although high cholesterol is difficult to self diagnose, it can be
detected by qualified medical professionals. Luckily, once elevated blood cholesterol is
reduced, the risk of heart disease also lessens. Blood cholesterol levels can be lowered
rather easily by avoiding saturated fats and foods high in cholesterol.
The higher a person's blood pressure, the greater is their risk of heart disease. High
blood pressure is a signal that blood is pressing too strongly against blood vessel walls.
Unfortunately, as with elevated blood cholesterol, there may be no symptoms of high blood
pressure until a heart attack or stroke occurs. Therefore, it is essential that blood
pressure be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Early detection and control of
high blood pressure will help to prevent a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure may
be lowered by losing weight, limiting sodium consumption and exercise, as well as (when
necessary) medication.
"Couch potatoes" or individuals who tend to be inactive are far more likely to
develop heart problems than those who are physically active. Regular steady, brisk
exercise seems to have a beneficial effect on the heart and other body organs. Not only is
exercise a effective tool for the prevention of heart disease, physical activity is also
used in the treatment and rehabilitation of heart attack patients. Stress management is
also implemented in heart disease prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
There is no way to completely protect or safeguard yourself against heart disease. But,
you can make a positive difference. By treating high blood pressure, lowering blood
cholesterol, following a healthy diet, managing your weight, staying active and addressing
your personal risk factors, you can take a big step toward assuring that your heart
remains in healthy working order.
|