Smoking
Studies show that people who smoke at least one pack of cigarettes a day are twice as much likely to have a heart attack than a non-smoker. This is because smoking causes damage to the walls of your heart arteries and can also increase the risk of developing blood clots. To reduce this risk, you should quit smoking as soon as possible.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be caused by several factors such as heredity, obesity, and a high salt diet. If it is left untreated, it can cause damage to the arteries in your heart and overwork your heart muscles. However, you can treat high blood pressure with exercise, a change in diet and/or prescription medication.
Overweight
Being overweight can cause your heart to work harder than normal. By having this addition strain on your heart for a long period of time, you are at a high risk for having a heart attack. You can lose weight by eating healthier meals and/or starting an exercise program.
Lack of Exercise
Exercise is a great way to keep your body in shape and to prevent the development of health issues such as obesity and high blood pressure, which can cause a heart attack. By exercising, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk for a heart attack. Walking is a great way to start your exercise program.
High Cholesterol
You can increase your risk for a heart attack by having a high level of bad cholesterol, which can cause your heart arteries that supply the blood to the heart to become narrow. To reduce your risk, you can treat high cholesterol by changing your diet and/or medication.
Diabetes
Diabetes is caused by the human body not being able to produce enough insulin to control the blood sugar levels. By having diabetes, your risk for a heart attack increases greatly if it is not being treated. You should may sure you are following your treatment given by your physician.
Family History
Your risk of having a heart attack increases if someone in your immediate family such as your parents or grandparents has had a heart attack as well. Since this risk is heredity, you cannot change it but you can take steps to reduce your risk by treating other risks such as high blood pressure you may have.
About the Author: Tanya is a writer and blogger with a passion for health and wellness. She also writes medical career guides for those considering working as surgical techs, medical billing specialists, ultrasound techs, and more.