Heart Health: A Matter of Life and Lifestyle
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, but the good news is that it's often preventable. By understanding the risk factors and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Understanding the Risks Several factors can increase your risk of heart disease, some of which are beyond your control, such as age, gender, and family history. However, many risk factors are modifiable, including: * High blood pressure: This often has no symptoms but can damage your arteries over time. * High cholesterol: High levels of "bad" cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. * Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. * Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts a strain on your heart. * Diabetes: Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease. * Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise contributes to many heart disease risk factors. * U...