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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, November 20, 2009
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, November 20, 2009
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Cardiovascular disease (which includes heart attacks, strokes, and congestive heart failure) kills more men and women each year than any other cause of death. To prevent heart disease and save many lives, prevention is key. The first step in prevention is knowing the modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors.
Unmodifiable risk factors can't be changed. These include
Age. As we age, our risk of developing significant heart disease goes up. Men 45 and older and women 55 and older are at increased risk for developing heart disease but both men and women can develop heart disease at much younger age in the presence of other risk factors.
Gender. Men are more likely to develop heart disease at a younger (about 10 years) age than women. However, heart disease is being identified in women more than ever before. Women often have more severe disease with different and less striking or less classic symptoms than men.
Family history. A close male or female relative (parent or sibling) having heart disease or a heart attack before the age of 55 is a key predictor of heart disease. Heart disease in both parents at an early age is an even stronger predictor.
If you have any of these unmodifiable risk factors, it is all the more important that you identify and change the risk factors that you can modify or change! These modifiable risk factors are listed here.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, causes the heart to work harder. As blood pressure increases, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. Because of this, the heart muscle thickens and requires even more nutrients and oxygen. High blood pressure also damages the lining of artery walls, which promotes plaque (hardening) buildup. High blood pressure is defined by a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or greater. A healthy blood pressure is 120/80 or less. If you have other risk factors, even a blood pressure of 130/80 may be too high.
High cholesterol. Cholesterol is simply classified as "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol sticks to the inside of an artery's walls, causing plaque to build up. HDL cholesterol circulates through the arteries and decreases the risk of plaque buildup. Cholesterol is obtained by eating foods derived from animals, such as milk, cheese, and red meat. The body also makes cholesterol from foods with sugar (fruits) and carbohydrate (starch) content.
If you have an HDL cholesterol level of 60 or higher, your risk of heart disease does not increase, and may even be below average. This is true even if your total cholesterol levels are also high (greater than 200.) It is important to have both your total cholesterol and your cholesterol profile checked and evaluated in terms of your personal cardiovascular risk.
The general goals for cholesterol levels are as follows:
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Risk factors |
Cholesterol levels | |
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LDL |
HDL | |
| No heart disease and less than two risk factors |
Lower than |
Higher than |
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No heart disease and two or more risk factors |
Less than |
Higher than |
| With heart disease, peripheral vascular disease or diabetes | Less than 100 mg/dl |
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Very high-risk patients with established heart disease |
Less than |
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Diabetes. A personal family history of diabetes puts you at even higher risk for diabetes. Diabetes increases the rate at which heart disease develops and progresses. People with diabetes are at very high risk for cardiovascular disease and are often treated as if they have cardiovascular disease even before there is a clinical event. If you have diabetes, it is imperative that you follow up regularly with your doctor and report any symptoms that you experience. You might not have typical or classic symptoms of heart disease because diabetes will frequently hide such symptoms.
Stress puts excess demand on the heart muscle. During stressful situations, the body releases adrenaline, a hormone that increases heart rate and narrows blood vessels thus increasing blood pressure, causing the heart to work harder, and placing you at increased risk for heart events.
Obesity is one of the fastest growing health problems in the United States for children and adults. Obesity is not of itself a risk factor, but contributes significantly to the development of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet are key to the prevention of heart disease. Engaging in aerobic exercise most or all days of the week can help control the modifiable risk factors for heart disease. (Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician and get screened for any risk factors for heart disease.)
By being aware of any risk factors, you and your physician can be proactive in your health care and reduce risks for heart disease. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control, decreasing your level of “bad” and increasing your level of "good" cholesterol with diet and regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and controlling high blood pressure are all good ways to help prevent heart disease. Your physician can help you determine if and when medications may become necessary to help you reduce your risk of heart disease.
Be aware - it's your heart!
Take the American Heart Association's quiz to see if you are at risk for a heart attack. To participate in local heart-healthy events, such as the American Heart Walk, contact your local American Heart Association.
Last Reviewed: Apr 06, 2009
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Charles A. Bush, MD, FACC, FSCAI Medical Director Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital The Ohio State University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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