It's important for you to know what factors can increase your risk of heart disease.
Some of these risk factors you can change, others you can't.
What you can change...
Modifiable risk factors for heart disease include:
...and what you can't
Non-modifiable risk factors for heart disease:
Although we would all like to reverse the ageing process and wipe clean the slate of family health history, it just isn't possible. But you can stop further damage by taking positive steps to improve your health.
High cholesterol levels
It is possible to lower your cholesterol levels by changing your diet, increasing your physical activity and, in some cases, by taking cholesterol-lowering medication. It's important to discuss with your doctor the best plan for lowering your cholesterol. You will also have to have a look at changing the lifestyle factors that increase your risk for high cholesterol.
Find out more about managing cholesterol.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
High blood pressure causes your heart to work harder than normal. Your heart increases in size to cope with the extra workload and may become weaker over time.1 When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? Next time you see you doctor, have your blood pressure checked and establish what your blood pressure targets should be.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. Quitting smoking is a very important thing you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease. For information on quitting smoking call the Quitine 131 848 or go to http://www.quitcoach.org.au.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, it's important to manage your condition by being physically active, eating healthy food, maintaining a healthy weight and taking medication if required.
Uncontrolled diabetes increases your risk of angina, heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
Find out who is at risk of getting diabetes.
Poor diet
A diet high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates contributes to weight gain, high cholesterol and diabetes. Each of these factors increase the risk of developing heart disease.1
Enjoying a healthy diet isn't hard. Find some tips for healthy eating including delicious, nutritious recipes.
Being overweight
It's a hard fact that Australians are becoming more overweight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing heart disease. But there is some good news! Losing weight reduces the risk and severity of high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease1. The key to losing weight is to enjoy healthy eating and regular physical activity.
With the help of your doctor (and perhaps a dietician) you can take steps to healthy eating and losing weight.
Lack of exercise
Being physically active can certainly help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.1 But exercising alone does not guarantee that your cholesterol levels will be ok as there are many other factors that can affect blood cholesterol levels. So, it's a good idea to get your cholesterol checked by your doctor, even if you are in good shape.
The good news is, regular activity (30 minutes each day) can be fun and has the added benefit of making you feel good about yourself. It's never too late to start being active!
Advancing age
Let's face it, we are not getting any younger! As we age, our risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases. Regular medical checkups and cholesterol testing is recommended as we get older.3
Being male
Men aged 35-54 are more likely than women to develop high cholesterol.4
It's also true that more men than women have risk factors for and die from cardiovascular diseases each year.1
It is therefore important for men to take all possible steps to reducing the other modifiable risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease. Talking to your doctor about cholesterol and heart health is another positive step for men to take towards managing their risk.
Being post-menopausal
Women who have reached menopause or who are aged over 55 years have an increased risk for high blood cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.4
It is therefore important for women to take all possible steps to reducing the other modifiable risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease. Talking to your doctor about cholesterol and heart health is another positive step for women to take towards managing their risk.
Family history of heart disease
You have a greater chance of developing cardiovascular disease if a close blood relative has or had events such as angina, a heart attack or a stroke. Your risk is increased if a first degree relative has had a cardiovascular event or stroke before the age of 60.