BY TEAM FOURTH FRONTIER DESK
Knowing the risk factors of heart disease helps you take steps to reduce your risk and maintain good heart health.
High blood pressure adds more strain on your heart and blood vessels, which might cause damage over time. This increases the risk of heart disease. [Source: bhf.org]
Too much bad cholesterol increases your risk of developing heart disease. As it causes atheroma to build up inside artery walls, thus preventing enough blood supply to the heart. [Source: bhf.org]
People with diabetes have a higher chance of developing heart disease. Since high blood sugar levels might damage blood vessels over time. [Source: bhf.org]
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease. As obesity leads to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Heavy drinking and smoking might increase the risk of heart disease. Alcohol can raise blood pressure and chemicals in cigarette smoke damage blood vessels.
Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding risk factors helps to maintain good heart health.