Warning Signs for Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, men and people of most ethnic and racial groups. Understanding the risk factors for heart disease is the first step toward prevention and management.

• Age. The risk for heart disease increases with age—45 and over for men, and around 55 for women. Aging naturally leads to changes in the heart and blood vessels that increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular problems.

• Gender.Initiallymenareatahigherriskofdevelopingheartdisease. Women become at risk after menopause, as estrogen levels decline and fat builds up in the arteries, causing them to narrow.

• Family history. Those with a close relative who developed heart disease at an early age may be at elevated risk.

• Race. Studies show that Black and Hispanic people have an elevated risk of dying from heart disease compared to other races. People can change or control the following risk factors:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension forces the heart to work harder and can stiffen the arteries, damaging blood vessels over time. Medications and lifestyle changes can help.

• Smoking.Smokingtobaccocandamagebloodvesselsandreduce oxygen in the blood. Smoking also increases the risk of blood clots.

• Cholesterol. High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can narrow arteries and restrict blood flow.

• Sedentary lifestyle. A lack of physical activity is a risk factor for obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, each of which increases people’s chances of being diagnosed with heart disease.

• Dentalhealth.Poordentalhealthcanallowbacteriatoenterthe bloodstream, which can potentially lead to inflammation that affects heart health.

—MetroCreativeConnection