spring | 2008
Know Your Risk for Heart Disease
Heart disease builds slowly and quietly. Some people don’t know they have a problem until they have a heart attack. So how do you know if you are at risk?
There are many well-known risk factors for heart disease:
- Age—men 45 years and older and women 55 years and older are at greater risk.
- Gender—men are at greater risk of heart attack than women and at an earlier age. But heart disease is the leading cause of death among women.
- Family history
- High blood pressure, such as 140/90 or higher. Studies show that lowering the first number can cut down on heart attacks in people 60 years and older. In fact, some experts believe that the first number is the single greatest risk factor for heart disease in older adults. All adults should get their blood pressure checked every one to two years.
- High total and “bad” cholesterol readings. What level is considered high may depend on other risk factors you might have. All adults should get their cholesterol checked every five years.
More Subtle Risks
Researchers are discovering some surprising new risk factors for heart disease.- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, follow your doctor’s recommendations on managing it. A number of studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes also had high cholesterol and blood pressure levels. People who don’t have diabetes but have high insulin levels tend to have high blood pressure.
- Sleep: If you have any sleep problems, such as snoring, sleep apnea, or feeling sleepy during the day, let your doctor know. Studies have linked these sleep problems with heart disease, especially in women.
- Anger: Anger puts a physical strain on the heart, making it work harder. A study of men between the ages of 40 and 90 found that those with average to high levels of anger were up to three times more likely to develop heart disease.
- Depression: A history of depression can increase the risk of heart disease in women and men.
- Stress: Some studies have found a link between heart disease and how people handle stress in their lives.
Can You Lower Your Risk?
You can lower your risk for a heart attack by:- Losing weight, if you’re overweight
- Eating a well-balanced diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol and high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking, if you smoke