What to Know About Heart Disease

The Facts on Heart Disease

Risk Factors & Strategies to Reduce Your Risk

The Following Factors have been Shown to Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease

Modifiable Factors: The following actions are controllable, and therefore should be avoided as consistently as possible. It is important to focus on these lifestyle choices in order to help offset the risk factors that are uncontrollable!

Smoking Tobacco

Smoking tobacco is a major risk factor for heart disease. Former smokers are at risk as well, but the longer you've quit, the lower the risk! (1)
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Red & Processed Meats

Red meat contains a significant level of saturated fat. The byproducts of red meat consumption may threaten your heart health. (2)
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Processed Carbs Intake

Processed carbs like chips, cookies, white flour, and white rice have inflammatory properties and contribute to obesity and diabetes. (3)
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High Alcohol Intake

Alcohol is controversial with regards to heart health. Some studies show that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce your risk, but consistently high intake increases it. (4)
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High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is usually recorded at your annual physical as a measure of heart health. Healthy food and exercise help reduce it. Annual physicals are crucial for heart health. (5)
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High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is modifiable based on physical activity and diet. High blood pressure puts excess strain on your heart, increasing your risk for heart disease. (6)
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Obesity

Overweight and obese individuals show some of the highest risk levels for heart disease and heart attacks. (7)
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High, Unaddressed Stress

Stress is normal, but constantly suffering and straining yourself has been shown to greatly increase your risk. Don't let stress dictate your life (8)
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Non-Modifiable Factors: The following cannot be changed. However, these factors are important to know, so you can be cognizant of your lifestyle choices and understand the circumstances!

Living with a Smoker

Second-hand smoke also affects your risk. Although you cannot control the habits of your loved ones, it is important to regulate your exposure to it! (9)
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Older Age

Your risk will increase with age. (10)
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Family History

Those with family members with heart disease are at an increased risk. (11)
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Diabetes

Heart disease and diabetes have similar factors and are co-morbidities of each other. So, if you have one, you are at increased risk of the other. (12)
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Blood Type

Blood type appears to plays a minor role in heart disease risk. Those that DO NOT have type O have shown increased incidence. (13)
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Sleep Apnea

Those that suffer from sleep apnea are at increased risk of heart disease. This has been shown to increase blood pressure. (14)
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Help Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease with these Choices

Cooking with Healthy Oils

Healthy oils: avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil, are extremely healthy to cook with. They reduce cholesterol and inflammation - making them heart healthy! (14)
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Regular Exercise

Cardio: 3-5 days/week Strength Training: 2 days/week Stretching/Yoga: 2 days/week (15)
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Proper Sleep

Getting too much or too little sleep is bad for your health. Getting 7-8 hours a night is ideal. Also sleep disturbances have shown to increase risk. (16)
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Dietary Factors

Daily Fruits & Veggies, Daily Whole Grains, Daily Low/Nonfat Dairy, Nuts 3-5x/Week, Daily Tea (especially green), Seafood 2-3x/Week (17)
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Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?

Assess Your Risk

Symptoms & Early Detection

Symptoms

  • Chest discomfort (pain, pressure, tightness), known as angina
  • Shortness of breath
  • Abnormal fatigue
  • Pain, weakness, numbness, tingling of the arms or legs
  • Pain in the neck or jaw
Symptoms are not exclusive to heart disease, and also do not always appear. The first time you may know of your condition is when you suffer a heart attack.

80% of Heart Disease Issues are Preventable

Heart Attacks are Often Silent

45%

of individuals suffering from a heart attack display no symptoms and are unaware that the attack is even happening. That said, silent attacks are just as lethal as symptomatic ones. 

What are the Recommended Screening Requirements?

It is important to note that most providers recommend annual blood pressure readings and blood work to test for cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These services are typically covered by your insurer. Schedule an annual physical to receive these tests and ensure proper health!
 
Blood work for heart disease is recommended to begin at 20 and and blood glucose for diabetes at 45.
  • Cholesterol: At a minimum, every 4 to 6 years.
  • Blood Glucose: The American Diabetes Association recommends annual testing starting at 45.
  • C-Reactive Protein: This test is good for those at medium risk for heart disease. If that describes you, be sure to discuss your options with your doctor. (20)
High risk individuals should always discuss their situation with their doctor and determine the plan that is best for them.

A Look at the Numbers of Your Screening

Blood Pressure Values

Healthy Cholesterol Values

Nutrition and Heart Disease

Poor diet is one of the major risk factors of heart disease. A number of foods can be consumed to directly reduce your risk for heart disease by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

We have compiled a list of foods that should be consumed regularly to promote optimal health. Heart health is one of the most important components of overall health! Learn the best foods to incorporate into your diet below.

Your Guide to Optimal Nutrition

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Treatments for Heart Disease

  • Nutrition Therapy: If detected early, there are many foods in a healthy diet that help reduce your risk of heart disease.
  • Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Medications: There are medications that help manage these conditions, but only mask the issue.
  • Coronary Stent: Help keep the arteries open and blood flowing

Other Resources

American Heart Association | MedlinePlus | CDC