07/05/2024
Understanding the difference between the heart disease risk factors you can and cannot control empowers you to take charge of your health.
Factors You Can Control:
- High Blood Pressure: Known as the 'silent killer,' high blood pressure can strain your heart and arteries, but regular exercise, diet adjustments, and prescribed medications can help keep it in check.
- Smoking: Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk for heart disease. Quitting today significantly lowers your risk, no matter how long you’ve been smoking.
- Physical Inactivity: Regular physical activity helps strengthen your heart and improve circulation. Find a routine that works for you, even if it's as simple as daily walks.
- Being Overweight or Obese: Excess weight forces your heart to work harder, often leading to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Healthy eating habits and physical activity can help you manage your weight.
- High Cholesterol Levels: High LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing your risk for heart attacks. A heart-healthy diet, exercise, and medication can help regulate your levels.
Factors You Can't Control:
- Age: As we age, our heart’s health naturally declines. While we can’t stop time, proactive care and regular checkups can help identify and manage heart issues early.
- Gender: Men and post-menopausal women are at higher risk. Understand your unique risk factors, and discuss preventive strategies with your doctor.
- Race: Certain ethnicities, e.g Africans, face higher heart disease risks. Knowing your predispositions can guide preventive lifestyle adjustments.
- Family History: A family history of heart disease may increase your own risk. If heart disease runs in your family, be extra vigilant with preventive care.
A noteworthy point is that we have more factors under our control compared to those that we can't take charge of. So be proactive and take care of your heart. Check out my previous posts to learn how to do this.
