by: Ray Kelly

If you’re male and you lead an inactive lifestyle you probably have
at least 3 risk factors associated with heart disease.

I know, I know, you feel fine but so do most people before they have
a heart attack. Unfortunately, most people find out they have heart
disease the day they are admitted in to hospital, and they are the
lucky ones!

Ladies, don’t think this is just something for men to worry about
(as it has been in the past). Women, as well as men, are more likely
to die of heart disease than of any type of cancer.

This is because of our modern lifestyle. We are working longer
hours, so we eat fast food, and there’s no time for exercise. To
make matters worse, machines are taking the ‘work’ out of work. We
are less active and it’s killing us!


So what are the risk factors for heart disease?

Firstly, there are two types of risk factors: those that can be
changed, and those that can’t be changed. It’s important to know
that you only need to have 3 of these to be at risk. Each extra risk
factor that you have increases your chance of having a heart attack
substantially.


Risk factors that can’t be changed:

Heredity: You are at greater risk if your parents, grandparents,
brothers, or sisters, have heart disease.

Gender: Men are at greater risk than women, though the risk for
women increases after menopause.

Age: As you increase in age, so do your chances of having a heart
attack. Once you reach 40 you should have regular check-ups.


Risk factors that can be changed:

Smoking: A smoker is twice as likely than a non-smoker to have a
heart attack. It not only places extra strain on the heart and lungs
but also makes blood cholesterol stickier, making it easier to block
arteries.

High Blood Cholesterol: Cholesterol is produced naturally by the
body and is essential to our health. The problem comes when we
consume too much in our diet.

High Blood Pressure: Just like with high cholesterol there are no
early symptoms. The first most people learn they have this is when
it’s at a dangerous level.

Physical Inactivity: If you are inactive, you are more likely to
have a heart attack. Even a 10 minute walk each day can make all the
difference.

Obesity: If you are obese, you are placing your heart under a great
deal of strain even at rest.


I might be at risk, what should I do?

If you think you could be at risk, the first thing you should do is
visit your doctor. Secondly, you need to modify your lifestyle.
Exercise for at least 10 minutes per day (30 minutes is better but
anything is better than nothing!). You also need to eat foods that
are low in fat. If you smoke you need to give up.

Even if you don’t have many risk factors it’s a good idea to visit
your doctor each year. Some risk factors can change within a short
period of time and getting on to them early can make all the
difference.

About the author:
Ray Kelly is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in the
health and fitness industry. Sign up for his free 7 Day Weight Loss
Course at http://www.free-online-health.com