by D. P. Noe

Created on: December 30, 2008

You are the key player in preventing heart disease. You can continue to make bad choices and think there will be no consequences, or you can choose to take an active part in reducing your risk for heart disease. Do not wait until it is too late, once the heart is damaged there is no turning back.

LACK OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE

This is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and one that you can do something about. In order to have a healthy heart you must participate in regular exercise. You heart needs a workout to stay healthy. Regular physical exercise actually can reduce many of the risks for heart disease.

OVERWEIGHT

Having excess weight is not healthy for your heart. Being overweight is also related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and increased risk of diabetes. Even a small weight loss can significantly lower your risks for heart disease.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

Cholesterol is the fat like substance in the blood. There is good and bad cholesterol and you need to understand the difference, LDL is the bad cholesterol that can lead to heart disease. You can reduce the bad cholesterol by regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. Sometimes your doctor may need to add a cholesterol lowering medication. HDL is the good cholesterol. HDL is actually cardio protective. Your physician will also check your triglyceride levels which is another risk factor for heart disease.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet all contribute to helping lower blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured with 2 numbers. For example 120/80, the top number is the systolic pressure when the heart beats.The bottom number is the diastolic pressure between heart beats. A systolic blood pressure over 140 systolic and over 90 diastolic is considered high blood pressure or hypertension.

SMOKING

This is no secret, everyone is aware that smoking is not good for you. Smoking is a major cause of coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease is the cause of heart attacks. Smoking also is the cause of other major health problems.

DIABETES

When you have diabetes, high blood sugar causes damage to blood vessels. If you are diabetic it is essential that you keep your blood sugar under control.

STRESS

We all have different levels of stress. There is some association with stress and heart disease. There are ways to control stress by using relaxation techniques, exercise or finding a hobby.

If you can answer yes to many of these heart disease risks, then it is time to make a change before it is too late. Only you can make the decision to protect your heart. It is in yours hands to make the decision to lead a healthier life style.

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