Common Risk Factors of Heart Disease

While rates have declined in recent years, heart disease remains a serious problem both here in the United States and abroad. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 600,000 Americans die each year from heart disease. The first step towards curbing these numbers, however, is to familiarize yourself with the risk factors of heart disease. Only then can you make the necessary changes in your life to reduce your risk of heart disease.

High Blood Pressure

Not surprisingly, one of the biggest risk factors of heart disease is high blood pressure. High blood pressure forces the heart to pump faster and harder, which in turn places additional strain on this organ. The increased "workload" places the individual at a greater risk of developing stroke and other heart-related problems.

High Blood Sugar 

High blood pressure isn't the only risk factors associated with heart disease. High blood pressure may also contribute to this deadly disease. When your blood sugar levels rise, it promotes infection and inflammation within the body -- two dangerous effects that can damage the heart. This is why it's important to monitor your blood sugar levels, regardless of whether or not you've been diagnosed with diabetes.

Obesity 

It's estimated that 2 in 3 adults in the U.S. are either obese or overweight. Unfortunately, obesity is a primary risk factor of heart disease. Generally speaking, the heavier you weigh, the harder your heart must work to pump blood throughout your body. Subsequently, people who are obese/overweight have a greater risk of developing heart disease.

Smoking

Need another reason to kick the habit? Not only will cigarette smoking increase your risk of cancer and respiratory disease, but it can also place you at risk for heart disease. Cigarette smoke contain more than 4,000 different chemicals including carbon monoxide. Inhalation of carbon monoxide damages the arteries' lining, making them more likely to harden. And when your arteries harden, it restricts the flow of blood while in turn increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Lack of Exercise

How much do you exercise in a typical week? When you're busy juggling work, relationship and life in general, it's difficult to find time to exercise. But you need to make it a point to exercise, as this is a critical step in maintaining a healthy heart. People who live sedentary lifestyles have a greater risk of heart disease (among other problems).