Risks

What is a risk factor?

If you ever listen to someone who studies how people get heart disease, you'll hear them mention "risk factors".  A risk factor is something about us or something that we do that makes the chances of something happening to us greater; so a risk factor for heart disease is something that increases the chances of us getting heart disease.  But remember, just because we're at risk for something doesn't necessarily mean that that something will happen; it just means that the chances of that something happening are greater.

Can we do anything about our risk factors?
We can do something about some risk factors, such as smoking and obesityHowever, we can't do anything about other risk factors, such as age and gender.
 

So, what are the risk factors for heart disease?

Risk factors that we usually can do something about:

Smoking
We can definitely get rid of this risk factor by just not lighting up.  Cigarette smoking is a big contributor to the development of heart disease.  Not only that, cigarette smoking also contributes to the development of cancer, emphysema, and complicates most other diseases.

Obesity
Obesity increases our risk of heart disease by raising blood cholesterol and pressure, and often leads to diabetes, which are all things that can lead to heart disease.  The best way to reduce the risk of heart disease through obesity is through a balanced diet and exercise.

Physical Inactivity
Leading a sedentary lifestyle and not exercising increases a person’s risk of heart disease by contributing to high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.  Regular exercise increases cardiovascular fitness and helps control blood pressure.

Alcohol
Alcohol raises the levels of fats in the blood and raises blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.  Drinking may also damage the heart directly and increases the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.  Not only that, but it also contributes to the development of diseases of the liver, pancreas, and the nervous system as well as problems in school and at home.

NOTE: Although obesity and lack of exercise are risk factors for heart disease, it is important that we eat a healthy, balanced diet with enough calories and nutrients to keep us living enjoyable lives, and that we get enough rest.  While it's not so good to eat too much and exercise too little, it is just as bad to eat too little and exercise too much.

Risk factors that we can't always control, but we can keep from getting worse:

High Blood Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol is a condition typically caused by a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol.  High blood cholesterol is made worse by smoking and lack of exercise.  It can be reversed by diet and, in extreme cases, medications.

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure occurs when the heart has to work too hard to push the blood through the system.  It offers no warning signals so it must be checked during periodic physician visits.

Diabetes 
Diabetes is the inability of the body to produce or respond to insulin properly.  Insulin allows sugar (glucose) into cells from the blood.  Otherwise it stays in the blood where it can contribute to high blood pressure and the development of plaques, as well as causing damage to the walls and increasing fat production.

Risk factors that cannot be controlled:

Age
The older you are, the more likely you are to develop heart disease.  Remember that the risk starts early, so that the more you control it now, the greater is your chance to be disease-free later.

Gender
Men are more likely to have heart attacks than women.  However, after age 50, the risk is the same for men and women.

Relatives with heart disease
Other family members with heart disease can influence how likely a person is to get heart disease.  This is mainly due to a tendency to have higher cholesterol and blood pressures in families.  However, some habits that are passed on in families, such as smoking, a diet high in fats and cholesterol, and physical inactivity, can be controlled.
 

Remember, the most important things you can do to reduce your chances of getting heart disease are not smoking, eating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, and exercising regularly!