Lisa, a 58-year-old estate agent, remembers trying to go to sleep one night. Her elbow was hurting, and she assumed that she had slept on it funny and that was what was causing the pain. She got up and the pain intensified. She called her husband, who was not home, who luckily was concerned enough that he called 911. By the time the EMTs got there she was lightheaded and beginning to have a panic attack. At the ER is when she began to feel extreme exhaustion. Within an hour she was in surgery to have a stent put in to one of her arteries. Luckily both Lisa and her husband followed their intuition that something was not right.
Knowing the risk factors of heart disease can help you evaluate whether your symptoms are of concern. Whenever you are not sure err on the side of caution. DO NOT hesitate to reach out to your doctor or call 911 if you are unsure of what is happening with you.
Risk Factors
Age – as we age our risk for heart disease increases.
Sex – men are at higher risk in general. However, as women pass menopause their heart disease risk increases as well. Remember – heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.
Family History – know your family medical history. If a close relative has heart disease you are at an increased risk. The younger the relative had heart disease the greater your own risk.
High Blood Pressure – Know your blood pressure numbers. Consistently high blood pressure (over 140/90) damages the arteries. If your pressure is over 180/120 seek medical help immediately.
High Cholesterol – Get your cholesterol checked regularly. Too much bad cholesterol or not enough good cholesterol are both risk factors.
Smoking – If you smoke, STOP.
Obesity – Being overweight is a risk for heart disease. In particular, a waist curcumfrence over 35 in women or 40 in men increases the risk.
Unhealthy Diet – diet high in saturated fats and sugars and low in fiber increases your risk.
Inactivity – American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. A sedentary lifestyle increases your heart disease risk.
Other Risks – stress, lack of sleep, diabetes, kidney disease and excessive use of alcohol all also increase heart disease risk.
Visit your doctor regularly, know your family history, and begin to make changes to lower your risk factors.
Also published on Functionalfitwear.com
