ken@oneheartnetwork.com
Lifestyle Behaviors
What behaviors increase the risk of heart disease?
Several behaviors significantly increase the risk of heart disease, making it crucial to prioritize heart-healthy habits. Smoking is a major risk factor, as it damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and decreases oxygen levels in the blood. Poor dietary choices high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and obesity, both of which strain the heart. Sedentary lifestyles devoid of regular physical activity weaken the heart muscle and impair circulation. Excessive alcohol consumption can elevate blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, while chronic stress triggers hormone release that can damage arteries and increase heart disease risk. Managing these behaviors through healthier choices, regular exercise, stress reduction, and abstaining from smoking and excessive drinking can significantly lower the risk of heart disease.
Diet
Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol has been linked to heart disease and related conditions, such as atherosclerosis. Also, too much salt (sodium) in the diet can raise blood pressure.
Physical Activity
Not getting enough physical activity can lead to heart disease. It can also increase the chances of having other medical conditions that are risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Regular physical activity can lower your risk for heart disease.
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels and the risk for heart disease. It also increases levels of triglycerides, a fatty substance in the blood which can increase the risk for heart disease.
- Women should have no more than 1 drink a day.
- Men should have no more than 2 drinks a day.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use increases the risk for heart disease and heart attack:
- Cigarette smoking can damage the heart and blood vessels, which increases your risk for heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart attack.
- Nicotine raises blood pressure.
- Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces the amount of oxygen that your blood can carry.
- Exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk for heart disease, even for nonsmokers.
Genetics and Family History
When members of a family pass traits from one generation to another through genes, that process is called heredity.
Genetic factors likely play some role in high blood pressure, heart disease, and other related conditions. However, it is also likely that people with a family history of heart disease share common environments and other factors that may increase their risk.
The risk for heart disease can increase even more when heredity combines with unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking cigarettes and eating an unhealthy diet.
Do race and ethnicity affect the risk of heart disease?
When members of a family pass traits from one generation to another through genes, that process is called heredity.
Genetic factors likely play some role in high blood pressure, heart disease, and other related conditions. However, it is also likely that people with a family history of heart disease share common environments and other factors that may increase their risk.
The risk for heart disease can increase even more when heredity combines with unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking cigarettes and eating an unhealthy diet.
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Ready to take a Heartsaver First Aid Course?
The AHA offers options for how you can purchase Heartsaver First Aid. You can take a full classroom course, take a blended learning course (Heartsaver First Aid + a hands-on skills session training), or purchase additional course materials. Choose from the options below.
Course Completion Card
Upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive a Heartsaver First Aid Course Completion Card which is valid for two years.
Continuing Education Credits
Depending on which Heartsaver First Aid course option you choose, CE/CME may be available for your profession.