Risk Factors for Heart Disease. - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

Risk Factors for Heart Disease.

Risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, being physically inactive, age (55 or older women), and having a family history of early heart disease.  Talk to your doctor.  Find out your risk.  And take action to lower it.

Questions to Ask your Doctor

  1. What is my risk for heart disease?
  2. What screening or diagnostic tests for heart disease do I need?
  3. What are my numbers and what do they mean?
    Blood Pressure
    Cholesterol - total cholesterol, LDL ("bad) cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides
    Body mass index and waist circumference measurement
    Blood sugar level (could indicate risk for diabetes)
  4. What can you do to help me quit smoking?
  5. How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
  6. What is a heart-healthy eating plan for me?