02/14/2023
Know your risk and take action on heart disease.
Do you know your risk for heart disease? Knowing which risks you can change can help you create a prevention plan with your primary care team. Below are risk factors to consider when assessing your risk for heart disease.
Risks you can change:
High Cholesterol: Can be lowered by diet, exercise, and medicine (if necessary).
High Blood Pressure: Can be lowered by diet, exercise, stress reduction, or medicine (if necessary).
Smoking: Talk to your doctor about how to quit.
Diet: Increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, beans, whole grains, and healthy fats in your diet.
Weight: Can be improved with portion control, wise food choices, and regular exercise.
Exercise: Increase movement with at least 30-60 minutes of exercise, 4-6 days a week.
Risks you cannot change:
Age: Men 45+ and Women 55+ have a higher risk of heart disease.
Family History: Knowing your history can help you work with your care team to minimize the impact of a history of cardiovascular disease.
We encourage you to talk with your primary care team about your risks and what you can do