Friday, August 3, 2012

Risk Factors for Heart Disease


Hectic lifestyles leave no room for personal well-being. However, an awareness of the risk factors behind heart diseases will aid in preventing them. Here are some of the primary risk factors.


Heart diseases are common among the urban population of the country.
Hectic lifestyles leave no room for personal well-being. However, an awareness of the risk factors behind heart diseases will aid in preventing them. Here are some of the primary risk factors.

1. Smoking

Everyone knows that smoking cigarettes is injurious to health. What most people don’t realise is that smoking alone can be responsible for increasing risks of sudden cardiac arrests. A smoker has twice as high a chance of incurring heart attacks before he is 50. This rule holds true for passive smokers as well. On the bright side, however, this is the most curable of the risk factors. Abstaining from smoking will help reduce chances of cardiovascular ailments drastically.

2. Cholesterol

People with cholesterol levels beyond 200mg/dl are at the highest risk of coronary blockage and heart failure. Aiming to keep LDL below 200mg/dl and HDL above 40mg/dl, will keep you away from risks of heart attack. To facilitate this, you need to cut down your calorie intake drastically. A low cholesterol diet, coupled with lots of exercise and appropriate medications, will help to keep the cholesterol levels in check.

3. High Blood Pressure

People with their systolic blood pressures over 140 and their diastolic blood pressures over 90, are at high risk. High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, is a condition that tends to overwork the heart by creating physical conditions that cause it to work more than its inherent capacity. Like cholesterol, you need to get your BP levels checked regularly to be able to keep track of your health. To control high blood pressure you need to follow a low sodium diet that is free of trans-fats and cholesterol, along with exercise and appropriate medications.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes also accounts for high risks of cardiac arrests. If you don’t keep your blood sugar levels in check, you will inadvertently end up causing some serious damage to your heart. Diabetes is completely manageable with regular checkups, proper diet, rigorous exercise, and proper medications.

5. Obesity

The urban lifestyle is enslaved by unhealthy eating habits. Although fast and cheap, these foods rank high in their contribution to adult obesity. An increase of fat levels in the body significantly increases the chances of heart disease. Lack of exercise is, therefore, the main culprit. Exercising regularly will not only keep you fit, but also reduce chances of cardiac arrests. At its simplest best, a regular 30 minute intensive cardio workout, which may include jogging, swimming, dancing or running, done 5 times a week, is sufficient to keep you in proper shape. If you like walking, better take regular morning and evening walks. Eat low calorie foods, free of cholesterol inducing ingredients. Opt for fibre rich vegetables and fruits to keep your strength up while you workout. Avoid caffeinated drinks and aerated beverage to successfully cut down excess calories.
By paying close attention to the above-mentioned list and by adhering to it, you will be able to keep your heart healthy and enjoy a long and fruitful life.

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