Risk Factors | About Risk Factors

Research shows that risk factors play an important role in the occurrence of heart disease.

Two kinds of risk factors

  • risk factors that you can change
  • risk factors that you can't change

 

The good news is that the majority of risk factors for cardiovascular disease are things that you can do something about. 
 
By adopting a healthy lifestyle - eating a well balanced diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and managing stress - most people can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
 
Risk factors you can't change: Risk factors you can change:
Age Diabetes
Gender & menopausal status in women High blood pressure
Family history High cholesterol
Personal history Obesity
  Physical inactivity
  Smoking
  Anger
  Anxiety
  Depression
  Stress
 

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Did you know? 

  •  Most people with high blood pressure don't know it -- Get tested!
  • You can reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase good (HDL) cholesterol by exercising
  • Deep belly breathing can help you handle stress and sleep better
  • Signs of heart disease can be different in women compared to men. Check with your doctor when in doubt
  • After menopause, the risk of developing heart disease for women equals the risk for men
  • When you stop smoking, your heart begins to repair itself immediately
  • Five smaller low fat meals a day can help you stay at a healthy weight