It is vital to know the risk factors for heart disease and more importantly what to do if you have one of them. The first step in prevention and good health is to know what they are. These are five risk factors that mean you might be at risk for heart disease:
Risk Factor 1: Unhealthy Blood Cholesterol Levels. If your bad cholesterol (LDL) is over 100 you could be at risk. In addition to that is if your good cholesterol (HDL) is below 60 you could also be at risk. In both cases you need to get your blood cholesterol levels in line with the normal ranges. There are medicines and other techniques including diet and exercise which can help bring them within the normal target levels of good health.
Risk Factor 2: High Blood Pressure. If you are having a difficult time keeping your blood pressure within the normal range or if your blood pressure is constantly above the 140/90 range you are at risk. You need to consult a physician who can help you get it under control. With medication, diet, nutrition, and exercise you can work to improve your blood pressure readings.
Risk Factor 3: Obesity and Overweight. A sure risk factor for heart disease is being overweight or obese. If your body mass index is over the healthy limits you are at risk for heart disease. Too many pounds means added stress to your heart, your organs, and your bones and joints. Work at getting your weight down to your size frame. For those with diabetes and who are overweight you are at double jeopardy for problems.
Risk Factor 4: Lack of Physical Activity. You need to get exercise everyday and you need to move everyday. So do not sit around the house. Thirty minutes to an hour of physical activity everyday is recommended. Walking is perhaps your best choice for movement and exercise that will lower your risk for heart disease.
Risk Factor 5: Smoking. If you smoke you are increasing your odds for heart disease. The answer is simply to take measures to stop.
These are five risk factors for heart disease. Now that you have become aware of them you can recognize them and do something about them for yourself or a loved one.
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