Lower Your Chance for Heart Disease

Posted: Feb. 1, 2008

Many things can put a person at risk for cardiovascular disease. There are some factors that you can't control such as age, family health history and race.

But you can do something about the three biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease — smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.

• Know your blood pressure. Your heart moves blood through your body. If it is hard for your heart to do this, your heart works harder, and your blood pressure will rise. People with high blood pressure often have no symptoms, so have your blood pressure checked every 1 to 2 years. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest you make some lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, eating less salt and eating more fruits and vegetables (DASH Eating Plan). Your doctor may also prescribe medicine to help lower your blood pressure.
• Don't smoke. If you smoke, try to quit. If you're having trouble quitting, there are products and programs that can help, such as nicotine patches and gums, and support groups.
• Get tested for diabetes. People with diabetes have high blood glucose (often called blood sugar). People with high blood sugar often have no symptoms, so have your blood sugar checked regularly. Having diabetes raises your chances of getting heart disease. If you have diabetes, your doctor will decide if you need diabetes pills or insulin shots. Your doctor can also help you make a healthy eating and exercise plan.
• Get your cholesterol and triglyceride levels tested. People with high blood cholesterol or high blood triglycerides often have no symptoms, so have your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked regularly.
  
  High blood cholesterol can clog your arteries and keep your heart from getting the blood it needs. This can cause a heart attack. Triglycerides are a form of fat in your blood stream. High levels of triglycerides are linked to heart disease in some people. If your cholesterol or triglyceride levels are high, talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower them. You may be able to lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels by eating better and exercising more. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight raises your risk for heart disease. Eat a healthy diet and exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Start by adding more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet. Take a brisk walk on your lunch break or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than one drink (one 12-ounce beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or one 1.5-ounce shot of hard liquor) a day.
• Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Lower your stress level by talking to your friends, exercising or writing in a journal.

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