Risk Factors & Tips
It can be alarming to learn that heart disease is the #1 killer of American women. The good news is that according to the American Heart Association, there are some risk factors you can control, and some things you can do right now to reduce your risk.
Risk Factors
Here are a few you’ll definitely want to discuss with your doctor:
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High blood pressure
This condition can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Smoking
If you smoke, your risk of developing coronary heart disease is two to four times that of nonsmokers. Smoking is also a major preventable cause of stroke.
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High cholesterol
The higher your total blood cholesterol, the greater your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
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Physical inactivity
Lack of exercise increases your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
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Obesity or overweight
If you have excess body fat—especially around the waist—you're more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.
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Diabetes
Having diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if your blood sugar is not controlled.
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Stress
Women under stress are more likely to overeat, start smoking or smoke more than they otherwise would.
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Birth Control Pills
Smoking while on oral contraceptives dramatically increases the risk for cardiovascular issues.
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Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure, can cause heart failure and can lead to stroke. It can also contribute to obesity.
There are other risk factors to be aware of. Talk to your doctor about how your age, race and heredity may affect your risk for heart disease.
How Healthy Is Your Heart?
Evaluate your heart health and assess your risk with this valuable tool from the American Heart Association.
Go take the Go Red Heart CheckUp now >
Heart-Health Tips
Start learning to protect your heart today by taking small (yet very significant) actions like these, as recommended by the American Heart Association:
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Celebrate with a checkup
Let each birthday remind you that it's time for your yearly physical and a talk with your doctor about how you can reduce your risk for heart disease.
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Get off the couch
Work up to at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, for a total of 150 minutes per week. Step, march, jog in place—you can even do it while watching TV.
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Quit smoking in four steps
Can't go “cold turkey”? Cut the number of cigarettes you smoke each day in half; then cut that number in half; cut it in half again; finally, cut down to zero!
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Drop a pound or two
By cutting out 500 to 1,000 calories a day you can lose up to two pounds per week, and gradually bring yourself closer to a heart-healthy weight.
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Become a salt detective
Check out the Nutrition Facts panel on packaged foods to see how much sodium (salt) they contain. Aim for a total intake of no more than 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt) per day.
Need Some Motivation?
Check out the American Heart Association’s Go Red BetterU program—a 12-week online program that can help you transform your health with small, simple choices.
Want to learn more about taking better care of your heart?
Visit the American Heart Association website.