Do you know YOUR risk for heart disease? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Many risk factors for developing hardening of the arteries of the heart have been identified. Discovering your particular risk factors early can help you reduce or eliminate your risk of a heart attack.
What are the most important risk factors for heart disease? High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Diabetes and Smoking are the biggest risk factors. These can all be controlled and/or eliminated.
Other risk factors of advancing age, male sex, and family history of heart problems cannot be controlled. Other risk factors include stress; obesity; inflammatory conditions like psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis; and chronic kidney disease. If you believe you are at high risk for developing heart disease, please see your local health-care provider to help you identify, treat, and eliminate your risk.