 ARE YOU AT RISK FOR HEART DISEASE?
In 2003, 37% of adults reported having two or more of the risk factors. Risk factors for heart disease are:
Heart
disease was once thought of as primarily a man's disease. Not
anymore. Every year since 1984, more women have died of
cardiovascular disease than men. Unfortunately, many doctors and
hospitals still have this attitude and women do not get the preventive care they
need until they eventually suffer a heart attack.
Test yourself. Take this risk assessment and see if you are at risk.
Heart
disease doesn't just happen. It begins years, even decades,
before any symptoms start to appear. That is if you are lucky enough to
get symptoms instead of suffering a major heart attack. Studies
have repeatedly shown that heart disease can begin in early adulthood,
20 years old or younger. Poor diet choices, lack of vigorous
exercise, stress and family history of heart disease all factor into
triggering this life threatening condition.
HOW CAN I PREVENT HEART DISEASE? - Control your cholesterol.
- Carefully watch your blood pressure (adhere strickly to your doctor's advice).
- Control your diabetes.
- DO NOT SMOKE!
- Only use alcohol in moderation.
- Exercise regularly.
- Watch what you eat. Do not eat a diet rich in saturated fats or cholesterol.
- Control your weight.
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