In the United States, heart disease is considered one of the most common causes of death among adults. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that one out of every four deaths is caused by heart disease. You can take preventative action if you are at high risk though. Learn about your risk factor and strategies to lower it significantly.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you may be at a higher than average risk of developing heart disease and experiencing a heart attack. High blood sugar levels can cause plaque to build up within the coronary arteries. Managing your blood sugar levels is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Diabetics can do a few different things to lower their blood sugar levels and maintain them. Daily exercise is one of the easiest ways to achieve this. Even a brisk walk or light jog can make a difference. In addition to this, diabetics can eat smaller meals throughout the day to stabilize their blood sugar levels.
If you have prediabetes, you can take action to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. By making healthier food choices and exercising daily, you can avoid diabetes and reduce your risk of heart disease. Speak with your doctor to discuss other strategies that you can help you.
Smoking
Smoking raises your risk for heart disease and can increase your chances of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. Tobacco smoke can damage your blood cells and heart, and can also force your blood vessels to work harder. Long-term smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can cause waxy plaque to build up in your arteries. To significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and other health conditions such as lung cancer, you should stop smoking now — there is no better time. Smoking cessation programs are available to help you. Speak with your doctor to find the right one. Support groups can also help you quit. In addition to these strategies, you should avoid being around people who smoke until you are able to quit entirely. Simply spending time with smokers can greatly reduce your success.
Obesity
Obesity is a major health concern that can cause a variety of health complications, including heart disease. People who gain and lose weight frequently are also at an increased risk for heart disease. Losing weight isn’t easy for most people. In order to successfully lose weight and maintain it for the rest of your life, you must be committed to making healthy lifestyle choices. Daily exercise, well-balanced meals, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep each night can help you get started.
Hereditary Factors
Many people are at a high risk of developing heart disease because they have a family history of it. However, it is important to point out that hereditary factors do not reign over unhealthy lifestyle choices. In fact, individuals with a family history of heart disease can virtually eliminate their risk of developing it by maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, and making other healthy choices every day.
Heart disease is a serious health concern that afflicts thousands of Americans. If not cared for, it can be fatal. Take preventative action against it with a little help from the strategies discussed. With a few healthy changes, you can make your heart healthier and happier than ever before.
