Cardiovascular disease affects more than 1 in 3 Americans. And the consequences of heart disease and stroke can be deadly.
While you can't control your age, race or gender, there are several cardiovascular disease causes within your control.
1- Stop smoking. According to the American Heart Association, people who smoke are 2-4 times as likely to develop coronary heart disease.
2- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and diabetes are key factors leading to cardiovascular disease.
3- Get exercise. Not only can regular exercise keep your weight down, but it increases your blood flow through your veins. Since blood carries oxygen to your heart and your brain, it stimulates your body and keeps you alert and healthy.
Exercise has the added benefits of lowering your blood pressure and reducing your stress levels too. Both of these can lead to cardiovascular disease.
4- Lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure and cholesterol are contributing factors to heart disease.
5- Moderate drinking. Moderate is defined as one drink a day for a woman and two for men. Drinking more can lead to higher blood pressure and stroke.
Factors outside of your control are your age, race and gender. More men than woman die of heart attacks. The American Heart Association states 83% of people over 65 will develop heart disease and your heritage plays a role.
If your parents had heart disease, you have a higher risk. Likewise, African American have a higher risk of high blood pressure than Caucasians. Native Americans, Mexican Americans and some Asian Americans have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Partly due to higher levels of diabetes and obesity.
You can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by not smoking, light or no drinking, getting plenty of exercise and eating healthy foods.
Doctors and nutritionists recommend eating 2-3 meals of fish twice a week. The reason fish is important is because they're filled with omega 3 fatty acids. Studies show these essential nutrients can protect your heart and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
All fish have these fatty acids but salmon, herring, tuna and hoki all have some of the highest amounts.
Diet is a big contributing factor to cardiovascular disease causes.
Making sure you eat less processed foods and plenty of fruits, vegetables and fish will go a long way toward preventing heart disease.
Some doctors recommend fish oil supplements as studies show they're beneficial to your heart.
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