Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
The Risks, Factors, and Effects
By: Madi Bayne
MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS
Modifiable risk factors are things about yourself that you can change to increase/decrease your risk for CVD. These include
- Smoking
- Physical Activity
- Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
NON-MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS
Non-modifiable risk factors are things about yourself that you cannot change to increase/decrease your risk for CVD. These include
- Advancing Age
- Family History of CVD
- Genetics
EFFECTS ON A COLLEGE STUDENT
Most college students' diets consist of high amounts of calories stemming from high-fat snack foods. The combination of that and many times skipping meals, contributes to an unhealthy diet. This sort of diet can set up college students for type 2 diabetes and hypertension, which are risk factors for CVD.
To be prepared for CVD, it is a good idea to have medical testing for it. Physicians can check blood pressure to check for blood flow through the arteries and check for clots. Testing your cholesterol level is also helpful. Ask your physician for these tests at your yearly medical check-ups.
TO AVOID CVD
There are many ways to help avoid CVD, but these are lifestyle choices you have to make for yourself. These can include
- Not Drinking Excessively
- Replacing Saturated & Trans Fats with Unsaturated Fats
- Consuming more Omega-3 Fatty Acids than Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Consuming more Whole Grain Fiber Rich Foods
- Limit Exposure to Smoke (Firsthand & Secondhand)