Risk Factors for Heart Disease
How can you lower your risk?
By following these guidelines:
- Eat a low-fat diet and maintain a desirable weight
- Maintain a desirable cholesterol level
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a desirable blood pressure level
- Exercise, exercise, exercise
- If you have diabetes, manage it
- Manage stress
Whether or not someone has a personal or family history of heart disease, each individual has a unique profile of risk factors. Some risk factors more important than others. The best way to start reducing your risk of heart disease is to see your Inova physician at intervals prescribed by him/her or by your age and health status. Your Inova physician is the only one who can monitor your cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and other factors that can increase your risk. Your Inova physician can also provide further diagnostic tests, treatments and guidance as needed. Make every effort to lower your risk of heart disease.
