The Heart Truth
Why You Should Take Care of Your Cardiovascular Health
Risk Factors, Effects, and How to Avoid Cardiovascular Disease
Non-modifiable Risk Factor
Family history: If a first-degree blood relative has had coronary heart disease or stroke before age 55 (for male relative) or age 65 (for female relative) your risk increases.
Non-modifiable Risk Factor
Ethnicity: People of African or Asian ancestry are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Non-modifiable Risk Factor
Age: Getting older is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Risk of stroke doubles every decade after age 55.
Modifiable Risk Factor
Tobacco use: Increases risk of cardiovascular disease. Stopping tobacco use can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, no matter how long you have smoked.
Modifiable Risk Factor
Obesity: Major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and predisposes you to Type 2 Diabetes. Losing weight can lower these risks.
Modifiable Risk Factor
Unhealthy diet: A diet high in saturated fat increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Reducing intake of foods high in saturated fat can reduce these risks.
As a college student, choices you can make to take care of your heart now and for the future:
1. Eat a diet low in saturated fat.
2. Watch your weight.
3. Exercise! Make sure to maintain a decent level of physical activity. (A sedentary lifestyle is another modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.)
4. If you smoke, do yourself a favor and quit now!
5. Consuming alcohol in excessive amounts can hurt your heart! 1 to 2 drinks a day is safe, but anything beyond that can damage heart muscle.