With roughly 2.4 million Canadians over the age of 20 living with ischemic heart disease, heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada. In 2012, heart disease claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Canadians.
By understanding the various factors that cause it, anyone can reduce their risk of heart disease. With that in mind, here are 10 factors that increase the risk of heart disease.
Risk Factors
Unfortunately, there are many factors that increase an individual’s risk of heart disease, and while some of these factors can be controlled, others cannot.
Factors that can be controlled:
Smoking
This puts you at a higher risk of heart disease, as it increases blood pressure and contributes to blocked arteries.
Lack of exercise
If you do not exercise regularly, you are placed at a greater risk of having heart disease.
Diet
Not eating enough fruits and vegetables will put you at a greater risk of having heart disease. Additionally, eating foods with trans fat and high amounts of sodium and saturated fats will increase the risk of heart disease.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese will increase your risk of developing heart disease, as well as a wide range of other diseases and conditions.
High blood pressure
This is a condition that leads to heart attacks or a thick heart muscle, which leads to heart failure, a form of heart disease.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol can lead to a blockage of arteries, which in turn raises the risk of heart disease.
Diabetes
This condition, especially if blood sugar levels are not controlled, can increase the risk of heart disease.
Stress
Prolonged stress can cause high cholesterol, increased blood pressure, and disturbances in heart rhythm, which are 3 conditions that increase the risk of heart disease.
Fact of the Day:
Did you know, every 9 in 10 Canadians over the age of 20 will have at least one risk factor for heart disease, and every four in 10 will have three or more risk factors.
Factors that cannot be controlled:
Family Tree
Risk of heart disease is higher for anyone whose immediate family have had a heart attack, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Demographics such as age
As you get older, your risk of developing heart disease increases. This is especially prominent for men over the age of 45 and women who are over the age of 55 or have gone through menopause.
Fact of the Day:
Did you know, ethnic groups such as Aboriginals and South Asians have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart disease.
Tips to help you reduce your risk of heart disease:
By adopting a healthier lifestyle, an individual is able to reduce their risk of developing heart disease as well as other chronic diseases such as cancer. Here are a few tips to help you get the ball rolling:
- Talk to your doctor about what factors could be putting you at risk of heart disease. Early detection and treatment is crucial in helping you you reduce your risk
- Don’t smoke
- Stay active! Try starting with 30 minutes of physical activity each day
- Maintain healthy eating habits. It’s important to follow Canada’s Food Guide and eat the recommended daily number of servings
- Achieve a healthy weight. This can be done by adjusting the amount of food that you eat and incorporating physical activity into your life.
- Learn coping mechanisms for anxiety and stress
- Lead by example and talk to your children and family members about heart-healthy habits
Featured Image: Depositphotos/Kzenon