Weighing your Risk: Coronary Heart Disease Facts
Coronary heart disease is a common condition in this country that can have devastating consequences if it is left unchecked. For many, prevention is the key to healthier living, and can be achieved through a variety of methods. It is important to get the coronary heart disease facts that will help you to weigh your risk factors and make the move to a healthier lifestyle.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
One of the coronary heart disease facts that cannot be ignored is that many risk factors for this condition are not under your control. However, if you know you fall into one of these high risk categories, you can have screenings done for things like blood pressure and cholesterol more often, so that if a problem does arise, it can be treated early and effectively. These risk factors include being 65 or older, being male and having a genetic predisposition to the condition. Another interesting coronary heart disease fact is that African Americans have a higher incidence of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease than Caucasians. Mexican Americans and Native Americans also have a higher risk factor. If you fall into one of these race categories, regular screenings will be the key in keeping potential problems under control.
Controllable Risk Factors
One of the surprising coronary heart disease facts is that there are plenty of choices that you can make to reduce your risk of this condition. If you use tobacco, now is the time to quit, and if you are overweight, now is the time to lose. Begin eating a healthy diet that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy products. Avoid foods that are high in sodium, cholesterol, sugar and fat. Exercise daily; the American Heart Association recommends at least thirty minutes of moderate activity five days a week.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, work with your doctor to get your symptoms under control, since this condition can also raise your risk for coronary heart disease. This is also the case if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure or find that your blood cholesterol levels are high. In some cases, lifestyle changes can be enough to control these conditions, but medications can also be used to get potentially dangerous symptoms under control and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease.
Getting the coronary heart disease facts is the first step in preventing or managing this issue. By understanding the risk factors, you can take an active role in preventing this condition by making necessary lifestyle changes and sticking with a regular screening schedule. A healthier lifestyle is under your control.
