Heart Risk Factors
Coronary Heart Disease is the nation’s single leading cause of death. 12.6 million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease. This year about 1.2 million Americans will have a first or recurrent heart attack. More than 2,500 Americans die from heart disease each day.
Every 34 seconds a person in the United States dies from heart disease. There are factors that can decrease your risk of having a heart attack ― some are controllable, some are not.
Risk Factors That Can Be Changed
- Avoid tobacco – it’s the No. 1 preventable cause of serious illness such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and emphysema.
- Be physically active – it can build endurance, control blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, aid in weight control, and reduce your risk of developing diabetes
- Eat healthy foods – foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol contribute to atherosclerosis, a primary cause of heart attack and stroke
- Watch your weight – obesity is a major risk factor
- Avoid excessive alcohol – Heavy and regular use of alcohol can increase blood pressure dramatically
- Almost half of all coronary events occur in people without traditional risk factors
Risk Factors that Cannot Be Changed
- Gender
- Age
- Family history
Find out more about your risk. Go to the MVH Heart Risk Assessment.
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