With World Heart Day being celebrated today, CONNECTOR looks at the leading factors that can increase the risk of heart disease.
Gender
According to studies, 70 to 80 percent of sudden cardiac incidents occur in men which put them at higher risk of heart disease than women. Men tend to suffer from it at an early age too. However, the leading cause of death for women is heart disease.
Age
The risk of heart disease increases as you age with men (age of 45 and above) and women (age of 55 and above or after menopause. The drop on estrogen level on women increases the risk of heart disease too.
Blood Pressure
Systolic blood pressure (the first BP reading) can give you a clue to your heart disease risk. It rises with age and indicates stiffness in the arteries. Don’t forget some of the guidelines below.
Normal: < 120 mm Hg
Prehypertension: 120 to 139 mm Hg
High blood pressure: > 140 mm Hg
Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a main part of the plaque that builds up in the arteries. The total cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol in the blood and is a potential risk factor for heart disease. The higher your total cholesterol levels, the higher your risk. See the levels below.
Normal: < 200 mg/dL
Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL
High: > 240 mg/dL
HDL Good Cholesterol is the one protecting you against heart disease as it helps reduce inflammations related to heart health. The higher the HDL level, the lower your risk of heart disease. HDL above 60 mg/dL decreases risk of heart disease.
Smoking
Nicotine and other substances in cigarettes harm the blood vessels and the heart which increases the risk of artery narrowing. Quitting will only benefit your heart in many ways.
The best way to manage your risk of heart disease is by visitng your doctor and getting your health checked up regularly. For more information on how to have a heart healthy environment, visit www.world-heart-federation.org. Happy #WorldHeartDay!