Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Learn what you can do to lower your risk and improve your health.
Although heart disease is preventable and controllable, it is the leading cause of death for both men and women. You can help prevent heart disease by identifying your risk factors:
Other factors that contribute to heart disease include sleep apnea, stress, depression, anemia, the overuse of alcohol and, for women, using birth control pills after age 35.
Because they work together, each risk factor is more potent. For example, because being overweight (a risk factor) may cause high blood pressure (another risk factor); you are many times more likely to develop heart disease. And if you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, your risk skyrockets if you also smoke. With each unhealthy habit that you reduce or control, your risk of developing heart disease diminishes significantly.
Become more heart-healthy by making smart choices and managing any risk factors you may have:
Source: www.cdc.gov