Don't Take It to Heart: Know Your Heart Disease Risk Factors

Heart diseases and vascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects, can lead to serious complications. Here are some significant risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. As revealed today in Maariv, here is the full list:

Overweight

Those who suffer from obesity and being overweight have a higher risk of heart disease, even if they lack other risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes. Body mass index (BMI) measures the ratio between a person's height and weight. Values over 25 indicate overweight, with particularly high values classified as severe obesity. High BMI not only increases your insurance cost but also your heart disease risk. Maintain a healthy weight, diet, exercise, and lifestyle to prevent obesity.

Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Even those who smoke less than five cigarettes a day may show signs of these conditions. Smoking can lead to atherosclerosis, artery inflammation, and restricted blood flow. Secondhand smoke can also harm non-smokers. Health funds now offer smoking cessation workshops, but the drive must come from you. Protect yourself and with Hashem's help, you can break this unhealthy habit.

Lack of Physical Activity

We live in an era where we spend much of our day sitting—by the computer, in the office, or at home. Spending most of our time seated can increase heart disease risk. Daily physical activity can reduce this risk. It doesn't have to be complicated; sometimes even a brisk walk can be beneficial for both body and mind.

Diabetes

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes increase heart disease risk. Diabetes causes high blood glucose levels, and over time, high blood sugar can damage the nerves controlling the heart and blood vessels. Diabetes can also cause high cholesterol and blood pressure, which further raise heart disease risk. While diabetes has genetic factors, it's also linked to obesity and inactivity. According to the "Clalit" website, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle: keeping a healthy weight and consistent exercise alongside a suitable diet can prevent diabetes.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol leads to blockages in coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, resulting from fatty deposits. This is according to cardiologist Dr. Daniel Sado at London Bridge Hospital.

Atherosclerosis stems from what is known as "bad" cholesterol, which accumulates in the arteries and puts more pressure on the heart due to restricted blood flow. In this state, the heart muscle receives less blood than it needs to function properly. To maintain healthy cholesterol levels, it is recommended to adhere to a healthy and balanced diet, exercise, and stop smoking.

Genetics

Our genes can also be a risk factor for developing cardiomyopathy—heart muscle disease. "There are different types of cardiomyopathy, and many of them can have genetic causes. Sometimes the heart muscle is too thick, doesn’t contract well, or becomes stiff, making it difficult to relax as it fills with blood," explained Dr. Sado.

Sado explained that cardiomyopathy cannot yet be cured, but there are several steps to reduce the risk of heart failure, including avoiding saturated fats, regular exercise, and stress reduction.

Menopause

Women in menopause have an increased risk factor for heart disease due to high testosterone levels before menopause, increased blood pressure during menopause, and stress and depression related to menopause.

Anxiety and Stress

Stress and tension cause people to face heart problems at a younger age because stress can increase blood pressure. A 2017 article claimed that when a person experiences stress, their brain signals the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, leading to artery inflammation that restricts blood flow. Simply put—stop worrying; it’s unhealthy for you.

Wishing you all good health with Hashem's help