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Risk Factors of Heart Disease
By: Gigi Sorenson R.N., M.S.
Director, CardioPulmonary Services, FMC
The American Heart Association defines
risk factors as inherited traits or daily habits, which may lead to the
development of coronary artery disease. Research has shown that certain
factors and lifestyles are associated with an increased risk of heart
disease. Some of these factors are things we can change in our lives;
others are out of our control.
Age is a risk factor out of our control. In general, your risk of heart
disease increases as you grow older. Family history plays a role in your
chances of developing heart disease. If you have a close relative with a
history of heart disease at an early age, you carry a similar risk.
Another risk factor out of your control is gender. Women in general have a
lower risk of developing heart disease than men, until after menopause.
After that, the hormone changes brought on by menopause open the door to
the development of heart disease for women.
Risk factors we can control are called, modifiable. Smoking is a very
important modifiable risk factor in heart disease. People who smoke run
twice the risk of developing heart disease than non-smokers. Smoking
damages the lining of blood vessel walls, narrows the vessels, and reduces
the amount of oxygen available to the body. Quitting smoking is very
important. Many over the counter and prescription medicines are now
available to help people quit smoking.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, another risk factor, usually shows
no specific warning signs or symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure
adds to the work of the heart, leading to a weak heart, a high risk for
stroke and heart attack, and a high risk for kidney disease. Having your
blood pressure checked regularly, exercise, a healthy diet, and medication
can reduce these risks.
High cholesterol levels have been shown to speed the development of heart
disease. Cholesterol is a soft, fatty substance produced by the liver and
found in many foods we eat everyday. When the levels of LDL, or bad
cholesterol, are over the normal level, risk of heart disease goes up.
Eating a well balanced diet of grains, fruits, and vegetables is key to
controlling cholesterol. Current guidelines suggest that fat make up no
more than 30 percent of your diet. Get your blood levels drawn and discuss
them with your physician.
Lack of exercise is a major risk factor for heart disease, high blood
pressure, and high cholesterol. Remember that the heart is a muscle, and
like all other muscles if you exercise it regularly it stays strong. The
American Heart Association suggests exercising moderately for 30 minutes
3-4 days per week. Walking is a great way to exercise.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease of having high levels of glucose (sugar) in
the blood. The body cannot respond to or make the right amounts of insulin
needed by the body. Heart disease is a common and serious side effect of
diabetes. Proper diet, medication, exercise, and monitoring are necessary
to control diabetes.
Too much stress can be a risk factor for heart disease when combined with
other factors. Stress from job, school, personal issues, the holidays,
cause hormones to be released into your body that put extra work on your
heart. There are many ways to reduce stress, including taking a walk.
Obesity causes the heart to work harder to pump blood through the body.
This makes it a risk factor for heart disease. It raises blood pressure,
raises cholesterol, and may lead to diabetes. Developing a healthy
lifestyle, not crash dieting, will lower your risk of heart disease.
Too much alcohol has been shown to have bad effects on the body, including
the heart. It has been shown to increase the risk of developing heart
disease, and increasing the risk of stroke. It is also a leading cause of
liver disease. There are studies that show 1-2 drinks per day of alcohol
may be acceptable. Discuss with your physician if any alcohol is safe for
you.
To reduce your chance of heart disease, educate yourself and your family.
Talk with your doctor. Being informed will make you healthier and give you
power over heart disease.
If you have additional questions, please contact your local healthcare
provider.
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CONTACT INFORMATIONFor more information about FMC’s Cardiology department call,
928
773-3150.
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Northern Arizona Healthcare - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Flagstaff Medical Center - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Verde Valley Medical Center - 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, Ariz. 86326 - 928
639-6000
VVMC - Sedona Campus - 3700 W. Highway 89A, Sedona, Ariz., 86336 - 928 204-3000
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