Subtitle: Risk Factors for Heart Disease
The number one risk factor for heart disease is high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries is higher than normal. High blood pressure can damage the walls of the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Other risk factors for heart disease include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, being overweight, physical inactivity, age, and family history.
Hypertension is a condition in which the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries is higher than normal. It can cause damage to the walls of the arteries, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease, a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce or use insulin properly. This can lead to high levels of sugar in the blood, which can damage the walls of the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
High cholesterol is a condition in which the levels of certain fats in the blood are higher than normal. High cholesterol increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Physical inactivity can increase the risk of heart disease. Regular physical activity can help to control weight, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels.
Age is a risk factor for heart disease. As people age, their risk of developing coronary artery disease increases.
Family history of heart disease can also increase the risk of developing heart disease. If one or more of your close relatives has had heart disease, you may be at an increased risk for developing it yourself.