If you or someone you love suffers from symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, pain in the jaw or arm, or tightness in the chest, these symptoms should not be ignored. Go to the doctor or encourage your loved one to do so. It can be frightening to think that something is wrong with your heart, but waiting only makes things worse.
It is also a good idea to schedule regular check ups if you or someone you love is at risk for heart disease.
Risk factors include:
- Poor Diet
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Uncontrolled Blood Sugar (Diabetes)
- Smoking (also one of the highest risk factors for stroke)
- Lack of Exercise
- Genetic Predisposition
- Being Overweight (ten pounds or more, especially around the waist)
*Constant stress or consuming drugs or alcohol can also raise blood pressure and blood sugar, adding to the risk of heart disease.
Some of these risk factors can be eliminated, or at least treated, while others cannot. If you or a loved one has any of these risk factors, it is best to try to work on the ones that can be changed, and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treating any others.
You may not be able to alleviate high cholesterol completely, but you can lower it with good eating habits, exercise, and medication, as prescribed by your doctor. Even lowering your cholesterol or blood sugar a little bit will make a difference, as will losing even a few pounds or getting even a few extra minutes of exercise each day.
If you are concerned about your heart health, or the health of a family member or friend, sign up to receive the free My Heart Now Kit from Pfizer. This kit will help you learn more about your heart, about risk factors and symptoms, and about what you can do to care for your heart. *This kit is not intended as a substitute for a doctor’s care (or consultation). It is simply to aid and inform.