8 Most Common Risk Factors for Heart Disease

8 Most Common Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Certain lifestyle behaviors, habits and physical conditions can raise your risk of contracting heart disease. That is because they affect your cholesterol, natural blood flow, circulatory system and/or your heart directly and negatively. Coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension and a host of other dangerous and deadly afflictions are more common in people that display particular risk factors.

Take a look at the following 8 most common risk factors for heart disease. Displaying 1 of the following characteristics might not be need for concern. But if you recognize 2 or more of the following heart danger signs listed below, a quick trip to your doctor to discuss your coronary and cardiovascular health is definitely in order.

A history of cardiovascular problems in your family

Cardiovascular issues in some situations can be directly linked to your ancestry. But practicing a heart healthy lifestyle has been proven to stop and even reverse a negative cardiovascular impact caused by heredity in many cases.

Advanced age (55+ years of age)

Every decade after you turn 55, your risk of suffering a stroke doubles. Exercise, proper diet, drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest helps combat your risk effectively.

Ethnic origin in some cases

If you enjoy proud Asian or African ancestry, you are naturally predisposed to a higher than normal risk of heart disease, heart attack and hypertension. Take proactive steps to live a heart healthy lifestyle.

Abnormal blood lipid levels

Low levels of good cholesterol and high levels of  low-density lipoprotein contribute to a dramatically higher risk of suffering a stroke, heart attack or contracting heart disease. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to check your blood lipid levels. A healthy diet and exercise can return your lipid levels to normal.

Using tobacco

This is definitely one heart disease risk factor that you have control over. Whether chewing tobacco or smoking, you suffer a dramatically increased risk of all cardiovascular diseases. Passive smoking (secondhand smoke) is also a heart disease risk factor.

Lack of physical activity

If you suffer from a sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity, you immediately increase your risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%. Get up and get moving.

Obesity

Obese individuals suffer from one of the major risks of cardiovascular disease. Being grossly overweight also raises your odds of developing type II diabetes, which is another risk factor that can predict heart disease.

Abusing alcohol

Enjoying just 1 or 2 beers, glasses of wine or alcoholic drinks a day, 3 to 5 days a week, can actually help reduce your risk of contracting heart disease. Step above those levels and you run the risk of damaging heart muscle, and increasing your odds of suffering a negative cardiovascular event.