Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Hypertension
High blood pressure increases the heart’s workload causing the heart to thicken and become stiff. This stiffening of the heart muscle is not normal and causes the heart to not work  properly.

Cholesterol
The risk for heart disease increases as your total amount of cholesterol increases. Your goal for total cholesterol should be less than 200.It is important to know your numbers-HDL, LDL and triglycerides

Obesity
People who have excess body fat are more likely to have heart disease. Excess weight increases the heart’s workload. Obesity raises blood cholesterol, blood sugar and triglycerides and lowers HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Smoking
 Most people associate smoking with breathing problems and lung    disease. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Stress
An individual response to stress may be a contributing factor for heart disease. Research has shown a connection between coronary artery disease and stress.