Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors.

Age and Gender
Men over 45 and women over 55 are at greater risk of developing heart disease. The American Heart Association estimates that over 83 percent of individuals who die of heart disease are age 65 or older. You can’t change your age, but you can focus on those risk factors that you do have control over.

Family History
If you have heart disease in your immediate family, you are at greater risk of developing it yourself, particularly if one or both of your parents have been suffered from it. Your family history is another factor that you can’t do much about, but it’s important to know so that you can tell your doctor and he or she can recommend the appropriate screenings, preventative programs or treatments.

High Cholesterol
When blood cholesterol levels are elevated, so is the risk of heart disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 80 percent of people with high blood cholesterol do not have it under control, and that a 10 percent decrease in total blood cholesterol levels may reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease by as much as 30 percent. If you don't know your cholesterol levels, ask your doctor if they should be checked. To prevent or reduce a high cholesterol level, limit how much cholesterol and fat you eat, and exercise regularly. Some people with high cholesterol levels may also need to take medication to help them lower their levels.

High Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is high, it puts extra strain on your heart. That can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious problems. Your doctor can recommend a number of things that you can do to help reduce your blood pressure, including exercising, losing weight, quitting smoking, or taking medication.

Smoking
Studies have shown that smokers have 2 to 4 times the risk of developing heart disease than non-smokers. Quitting smoking is the number one change that you can make to improve your overall health, and to help reduce the odds of developing heart disease. Talk with your doctor about ways to quit smoking and to stay smoke-free for life. Holy Redeemer is your partner in living without tobacco: we can help you make the change and stick to it, through a number of smoking-cessation classes that we offer.

Excess Weight
Being overweight forces your heart to work extra hard, increases blood pressure and the risk of developing diabetes. While most of us find losing weight a challenge, it’s vitally important to your heart health to take action if you are overweight. Your doctor can help you find safe ways to gradually lose weight and keep it off, including diet and regular exercise.

Poor Diet and Lack of Exercise
Exercise can help prevent heart disease and many other health issues. 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. Although more vigorous exercise provides the greatest health benefits, even a moderate program done regularly can pay real dividends.

Stress
Stress is a normal part of our lives. Stress causes the release of adrenalin which speeds up your heart rate, narrows your blood vessels and increases your blood pressure, making you heart work harder. Prolonged or excessive stress can cause symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, anger and the inability to concentrate, signs that stress may be putting you at increased risk for heart disease.You have many options for coping with stress, including cutting down on your intake of caffeine, increasing your exercise, adopting healthier eating habits and taking time for activities such as meditation and yoga.

Diabetes
Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Even when glucose (blood sugar) levels are under control, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, but the risks are even greater if blood sugar is not well controlled. About three-quarters of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. If you have diabetes, it's extremely important to work with your healthcare provider to manage it and control any other risk factors you can.