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January 29, 2007

Ways to reduce your risk of heart disease

Dr. Melinda Hart

With heart disease as the number one killer in America, it is important to know what to do to minimize risks of being attacked by this deadly disease. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease includes two categories of risk factors: those that can improve a person’s chances and those that can’t.

Statistics show four out of five people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 years of age or older. Heredity also plays a major role in heart disease, and chances of developing heart disease increase if your parents were victims of the disease. According to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of people with diabetes die from heart or blood vessel disease. Although diabetes is frequently genetic, those with diabetes can control other risk factors and closely monitor their blood sugar levels in order to lead a much-less risky lifestyle

There are several factors that people can influence or control. Those include: tobacco or cigarette smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity and stress. By monitoring these factors, people may reduce their chances of having heart disease. For example, people who smoke have twice the chance of developing heart disease than those who do not.

In recent years, fats in foods have become an interesting topic. Fat contributes to high cholesterol, which increases the chance of heart disease. However, a person’s cholesterol level is also affected by sex, age and heredity. When coupled with high blood pressure or smoking, the risk of heart disease increases even more.

High blood pressure and constant stress weakens and overstresses the heart. Not only does high blood pressure increase the risk of heart attack, it also contributes to stroke, kidney failure and congestive heart failure.

One way to decrease the risk of certain diseases is through regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise. Studies show people who exert no physical activity increase their risk of heart disease, but those who exercise even moderately have significantly reduced risks. Although the exact amount of exercise needed is debated, most healthcare professionals are comfortable recommending their patients get some form of aerobic activity, like walking, for at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week.

If you have any questions regarding heart disease or other methods of reducing your risks, contact Dr. Melinda Hart at 735-0030.

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