Heart disease is the leading cause of death among middle-aged and older men, and among women over age 60. Risk factors for heart disease include:
What Is My Risk?
Heart Disease: Assessing Your Risk
Know your risk factors
- Age
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Excess weight and inactivity
- Other health problems (such as diabetes)
Take a moment to look at your lifestyle, family history and general health. With this information, you and your family doctor can assess your risk and make a plan to tackle potential problems.
Age
Men over age 45 and women over age 55 are at greater risk for heart disease. Although you can't do much about your age, you can affect many of the other risk factors listed below.
Family history
You can't change your family history. So why worry about it? Because it is important for you to know what "runs in the family" and to tell your doctor. Talk to your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles about who has had a heart attack, stroke or other serious health problem. With this information, your doctor can recommend screening tests and preventive treatments as appropriate.
Cholesterol
If you don't know your cholesterol level, ask your doctor if it should be checked. To reduce (and prevent) a high cholesterol level, limit how much cholesterol and fat you eat, and exercise regularly. Some people who have high cholesterol levels may also need to take medicine to keep their levels under control.
Blood pressure
If your blood pressure is high, losing weight, exercising, not smoking and, in some cases, cutting down on sodium (salt) and alcohol will help. Some people may also need to take medicine to control their blood pressure.
Smoking
Quitting is the single best change you can make for your health. Talk to your family doctor about how to quit and stay tobacco-free. If you live with a smoker, breathing his or her smoke can also affect your health. Encourage the other person to quit.
Diet
A diet high in fat and cholesterol has been linked with heart disease (and many other health problems). Fat and cholesterol can harden and clog your arteries. A healthy diet is high in fiber and low in fat. Each day, try to eat:
- 6 to 8 ounce equivalents of bread, cereal, rice or pasta
- 3 1/2 to 5 cups of fresh fruit or fresh or frozen vegetables
- 3 cups of non-fat (skim) milk, low-fat yogurt or low-fat or non-fat cheese
- 5 to 6 1/2 ounce equivalents of lean meat, poultry, fish, dry beans or egg whites
In addition, use butter, margarine and cooking oils sparingly. You may also need to avoid foods that are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure. Sodium is found in table salt and some prepared foods, especially canned foods.
Although some research suggests alcohol can help protect against heart disease, moderation is the key. Limit how much you drink. This means no more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day.
Learn more about healthy food choices and portion sizes.
Although some research suggests alcohol can help protect against heart disease, moderation is the key. Limit how much you drink. This means no more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day.
Learn more about healthy food choices and portion sizes.
Weight
Being overweight puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. A high-fiber, low-fat diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight gradually and keep it off. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to lose weight.
Exercise
Exercise can help prevent heart disease and many other health problems. You'll also feel better and help keep your weight under control if you exercise regularly. If you haven't exercised for a while or have health problems, talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program. Exercising 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times a week is a good goal, but any amount is better than none.
Other health problems
Health problems such as diabetes can contribute to heart disease. Talk to your family doctor for individual advice.
More Information
Other Organizations
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American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
1-800-242-8721
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Revolution Health Mental Health Community
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
American Academy of Family Physicians
Reviewed/Updated: 11/06
Created: 09/00