Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?

Heart disease does not always announce its arrival. About one in four people who die of a heart attack have no early warning signs.

A number of factors can put you at risk for heart disease. But if you know what your risk factors are — and what you can do to change them — you may live a longer, healthier life.

So just what puts you at risk?

• Age and gender. Men older than age 45 have a greater risk of heart disease than do women or younger men. A woman’s risk goes up after menopause and, after age 65, is nearly equal to a man’s.
• Race. Compared with Caucasians, Hispanics or Asian-Americans, African-Americans have a higher risk of heart disease and their disease is often more serious.
• Family history. Your risk is higher if heart disease or a heart attack occurred in your father or brother before they reached age 55, or in your mother or sister before age 65.

Fortunately, there are several risk factors that you can control:

• Smoking. If you smoke, quit. Smokers have up to six times the risk of heart attack of nonsmokers. But within a year after you stop smoking, your risk drops immensely.
• Being overweight. If you carry excess pounds around your middle, your risk is higher.
• A diet high in saturated fat. A heart-healthy diet includes limiting fat to less than 30 percent of your total calories. The trans fatty acids found in stick margarine and in commercially baked goods are especially harmful.
• A sedentary lifestyle. Experts recommend 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you haven’t been physically active, check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or depression. If you have any of these conditions, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice for treating them.
• Stress. You can help ease stress and anxiety by exercising regularly and getting enough rest.

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