What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of a Heart Attack?
Extensive clinical studies have identified factors that increase the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Some of these risk factors, such as having a family history of heart disease, cannot be changed. However, other risk factors can be changed and can greatly reduce an individual's risk of heart disease. Remember to follow your doctor's recommendations concerning these factors.
Fortunately, many of the factors that contribute to heart disease are controllable through lifestyle changes. Remember, the first line of defense against cardiovascular disease is self-awareness and education.
Smoking
The risk of heart disease for smokers is more than twice that of non-smokers. When a person stops smoking, regardless of how much he or she may have smoked in the past, their risk of heart attack rapidly declines.
High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, it is important to work with your doctor to lower it. A proper diet, losing weight, exercising regularly, restricting sodium intake, and using medication may all be required to lower your blood pressure to a healthy level.
Other risk factors:
- High fat/high cholesterol diet
- Family history of coronary artery disease
- Diabetes
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity (being overweight)
- Stress
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