eTopical Precious Finds
According to a recent survey, the number of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases in India has been increasing. The research was able to unearth some of the critical issues of heart diseases among Indians. Most deaths due to heart attacks occurred at home and without any medical help. Thus, people need to keep themselves aware of the risk factors that increase your chances of having a heart attack.
According to top cardiologists, many factors lead to heart diseases, but most of them are easily avoidable with specific lifestyle changes and medication. Even though you might be afraid to even think about heart attacks, you must know what the risk factors are so that you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim of heart diseases.
Non-modifiable Factors: Some factors cannot be modified, such as your age, history of diseases in the family, your gender, and more. But, when you know these factors, you will be able to reduce the effect that these factors have on your health. Here are the top non-modifiable factors for heart disease –
Age
Chances of suffering from heart diseases increase as you age. Your blood vessels will become old, and it will be harder for blood to move through them. It causes fatty deposits to collect in your artery walls leading to heart diseases. Cardiologist doctor will consider your age when estimating your risk of heart diseases. It is also a factor when prescribing medicines and treatment procedures.
Gender
Studies show that men are at a higher risk of heart disease than women till the age of 75. Since women produce estrogen, it helps in lowering damage to their cardiovascular system. But, after the age of 75, the risk for men and women is almost the same.
Hereditary
If anyone in your family has heart disease, then you have a high probability of developing one. Also, your genes, along with an unhealthy lifestyle, can increase your risk. Even though you cannot change your genes, it is possible to change the environment so that your genes are expressed positively.
Modifiable Factors: Most of the factors that influence the risk factors are modifiable. It means you can take proper steps to lower your risk. Some of the top modifiable factors are –
Poor Diet
It is essential to follow a proper diet as it can improve your health. You should add more fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, fermented dairy products, and more to your diet. It is also essential to stay away from sweets, add sugar, red meat, and refined carbohydrates that are not good for your heart. You also need to improve your eating habits and avoid late-night eating.
Smoking
Smoking doubles your chances of heart attacks and other heart diseases. Smoking causes damage to blood vessels and will put pressure on the blood arteries in your heart. Thus, if you smoke, it might be the right time to visit a cardiologist doctor or quit smoking.
Obesity
Obesity alone can increase your chances of heart diseases by nearly 200%. Obesity can also cause high cholesterol, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions that are connected to heart diseases. But exercise can help lower the chances of developing heart diseases.
Physical Inactivity
Modernization and dependency on technology have reduced our physical activities. Inadequate physical activity can increase the chances of heart diseases. But, when you are physically active, you not only increase your lifespan but also reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Stress – The way you respond to stress can also be a factor for heart attack. Cardiovascular problems and stress have a direct relationship. People who are under constant stress increase their chances of developing heart issues.
Apart from the aforementioned factors, other risk factors influence cardiovascular diseases. Heart issues can occur at any age, and there is no better time for you to start living a healthy life. Even if you are at risk, it doesn’t mean that you will develop cardiovascular disease.
Working with your cardiologist doctor is crucial to assess and learn how you can lower your risk of heart disease.
