Heart disease is one of the major diseases affecting people all over the world. It can happen at any age, but the risk goes up as you age.

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There are many risk factors that can lead to heart disease that are beyond our control; such as heredity, gender, age, reaching menopause (for women), and suffering from preeclampsia during pregnancy.

However, there are many behaviors and lifestyle changes that can be changed to lower your risk of getting heart disease.

Health Conditions that Increase the Risk of Heart Disease

The following health conditions can increase your risk of getting heart disease. Some of them are avoidable with establishing a healthy diet and regular exercise.

1. High blood pressure

This medical condition is a major risk factor for heart disease. If not controlled, high blood pressure can affect your heart and other major organs, like brain and kidneys.

Often called a ‘silent killer’ as it doesn’t have certain symptoms, but a routine blood pressure measurement can detect if you have this disease or not.

Once you know if you have high blood pressure, lifestyle changes along with medicines can help to lower it as well as lower your risk for getting heart disease and heart attack.

2. Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels

Actually, our body can make enough good cholesterol to make our body works properly. But oftentimes we consume high cholesterol foods that make excess cholesterol in our body.

The extra cholesterol can build up in the walls of our arteries that can lead to narrowing it and decrease the blood flow to important organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys.

The only way to know whether your cholesterol level is to get yourself checked. Usually, it can be done through a simple blood test.

If you are detected to have a high cholesterol level, dietary changes, as well as exercise, can help lower it.

3. Diabetes

People with diabetes either can’t make enough insulin or can’t use their own insulin, or both. The risk of getting heart disease for adults with diabetes is higher than for adults with no diabetes.

Dietary changes, as well as exercise, may help people with diabetes manage their blood glucose. Routine glucose check-ups also can help maintain a healthy blood glucose level as well as avoid further health complications.

4. Obesity

Obesity is often linked to poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. It can also lead to diabetes, high blood pressure as well as heart disease.

If you have weight excess, talk with doctor or professional to reduce your weight in a healthy way. You can also start eating clean and healthy and exercise regularly.

Behaviors that Increase the Risk of Heart Disease

Here are some risk factors that you need to avoid to lower your risk of getting heart disease.

  • Have a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
  • Not having regular physical activities
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Smoking

Your risk of getting heart disease can increase when you have an unhealthy diet.

Do you have any of the above’s medical conditions? To avoid further risk to your heart health, visit Okadoc’s website or download the mobile app to find and book an appointment with a Cardiologist near you.