Risk Factors, Screening & Lifestyle
Because heart and vascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the US, it’s important to understand the risk factors for heart disease, how it’s identified, and what lifestyle changes to make.
Risk Factors
The following risk factors make you more likely to develop a heart and vascular condition:
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Excessive drinking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- High stress
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition and eating habits
- Reaching age 65
- Smoking
- A family history of heart and vascular disease
Some ethnic groups have higher rates of heart and vascular diseases:
- African-Americans have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
- Indigenous peoples have the fastest growing rates of heart disease in the US.
- Mexican-Americans, native Hawaiians, and some Asian-Americans are at increased risk of heart disease, partly due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
Indictors
Earlier identification of disease can improve your chances for the best outcome.
Your doctor may check the following indicators for heart and vascular disease:
- Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels: High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. But without screening for them, you may not know if you have these conditions.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): This is a measurement for body weight and composition. About two of every three adults are overweight or obese. Obesity puts you at risk for many diseases and conditions.
- Waist Circumference: A man with a waist of more than 40 inches or a woman with a waist of more than 35 inches is considered high-risk for heart disease.
- Diabetes Screening: Depending on your risk factors, such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes, your doctor may recommend early screening for diabetes.
- Heart Disease Screening: Take three quick tests to screen <link to Screening> for early warning signs of stroke, aneurysm, heart, and vascular risk.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
By taking action to control your risk factors, you can help prevent or delay a serious heart and vascular disease.
You can take action by doing the following things:
- Be physically active.
- Follow heart-healthy eating.
- Get enough quality sleep.
- If you smoke, quit.
- Keep your cholesterol levels under control.
- Limit alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage diabetes according to your doctor's instructions.
- Manage stress in healthy ways.
- Reduce high blood pressure.
- Take any prescribed medications and follow a healthy lifestyle plan.