|
|
Bills risk factors for heart disease are high blood cholesterol. Cholesterol, a fat-like substance carried in your blood, is found in all of your body's cells. Several risk factors that are definitely associated with the development of these diseases include smoking, hypertension, and physical inactivity. Extra weight is thought to lead to increased total cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Obesity increases your chances of developing other risk factors for heart disease, especially high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes. Heart problems are the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, especially in the case of adult-onset or Type II diabetes. Cigarette smoking increases your risk of lung cancer, but fewer realize that it also greatly increases your risk of heart disease and peripheral vascular disease (disease in the vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs). Men have a higher risk of heart attack than women. Older age is a risk factor for heart disease. In fact, about 4 of every 5 deaths due to heart disease occur in people older than 65. Heart disease tends to run in families, if your parents or siblings had a heart or circulatory problem before age 55, then you is at greater risk for heart disease than someone who does not have that family history.
|
