Risk Factors
Many factors can increase your risk from heart disease. Some of these factors are things you choose to do, such as smoke, whilst other factors are things that you can't change, such as your age or gender. The good news is that by changing the things you CAN, the majority of people can lower their risk from heart disease significantly.
Lifestyle Risks - things you can change
Cholesterol Levels
There are 2 types of cholesterol - LDL Cholesterol which is bad and HDL Cholesterol which is good. As part of a healthy lifestyle, a healthy, well balanced low fat, high fibre diet can help to lower your LDL Cholesterol and increase your HDL Cholesterol - reducing your risk from heart disease.
Smoking
Cigarettes contain carbon monoxide which affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen around the body by up to 50%, thereby depriving the heart of vital oxygen. They also contain nicotine which stimulates the body to produce adrenaline, making your heart beat faster and raising your blood pressure. Even if you're at low risk from heart disease, giving up smoking is essential to good health.
Risk Factors
Lifestyle Risks - things you can change
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you could be more at risk from heart disease. The good news is that eating a well balanced, low fat, high fibre diet with plenty of fruit and veg can lower your risk from heart disease. If you have any concerns we'd recommend you talk to your GP.
Remember, you are more likely to develop diabetes if you are overweight so eating a well-balanced, low fat, high fibre diet with plenty of fruit and veg can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure increases the amount of work your heart has to do to pump blood around your body, putting extra strain on your heart. When combined with other factors, such as being overweight or obese, smoking or diabetes, high blood pressure can increase your risk from heart disease by several times. Have your blood pressure monitored regularly by your GP or nurse. They'll also be able to advise you on how to lower your blood pressure.
Risk Factors
Lifestyle Risks - things you can change
Poor Diet
Eating a poor and unbalanced diet, high in calories from fat and sugar and low in fruit and vegetables and fibre is likely to result in you putting on excess weight or even obesity. Being overweight puts extra strain on your heart and can often lead to high blood pressure and increased levels of ‘bad' blood cholesterol and other blood fats. In addition, it can also put you at increased risk from diabetes.
Even if you're not overweight, a poor diet is still likely to increase the levels of ‘bad' cholesterol and other blood fats.
Remember, a well-balanced low fat, high fibre diet with plenty of fruit and veg is essential for good health. Why not take a look at the Eat Smart section of our website to find out more?
Being Overweight
Being overweight puts extra strain on your heart and can often lead to high blood pressure and increased levels of ‘bad' blood cholesterol and other blood fats. In addition, it can also put you at increased risk from diabetes. We recommend you have your height and weight monitored regularly by your GP or nurse. They'll also be able to advise you on how to lose weight safely. Remember, a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit and veg is essential for good health. Why not take a look at the Eat Smart section of our website to find out more?
Risk Factors
Lifestyle Risks - things you can change
Alcohol
Drinking more than one alcohol drink a day if youre female, or more than two a day if you're male, could increase your risk from heart disease. That's because excess alcohol can increase your blood pressure or can contribute to excess weight gain. In addition, alcohol can affect your levels of triglycerides, a type of fat carried in your blood. Try to drink no more than one alcoholic drink a day if you're female, or no more than two if you're male. If you have any concerns, please talk to your GP.
Stress
Stress is often believed to be a risk factor in heart attacks and strokes. Feeling stressed or anxious can cause the heart to beat faster, putting it under extra strain. Some people tend to eat more when they're feeling stressed too. If you frequently feel stressed or anxious, we'd recommend you talk to your GP.
Lack of Exercise
Regular exercise helps control your cholesterol levels. It can also help lower your blood pressure and, when combined with a well balanced, low fat diet, can help you reach or maintain a healthy weight. We'd recommend you exercise at least 3-4 times a week for around 30 minutes. To find out more about how to exercise and the benefits take a look at the Get Active section of our website.
Risk Factors
Lifestyle Risks - things you can't change
Your age
You're more at risk from heart disease as you get older. If you have any concerns please talk to your GP.
Your gender
Women are at lower risk from heart disease before the menopause but remember your overall risk will also be determined by lifestyle factors such as smoking or being overweight. If you have any concerns please talk to your GP.
Your ethnic origins
You're more at risk from heart disease if you're from a South Asian background If you have any concerns please talk to your GP.
Your family history
You could be more at risk from heart disease if there's a history of heart attacks or strokes in your family, especially in a close relative under 55. If you have any concerns please talk to your GP.
