Do I Have A Risk For Heart Attack?

Are you a woman over 55 or a man over 45?

Do you have high blood pressure?

Do you know if you have a high level of blood cholesterol (a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol) or triglyceride levels?

Do you have diagnosis of diabetes?

Do you have family history of heart disease?

Do you have diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Are you a smoker or exposed to secondhand smoke for a long time (you have a smoker in your family)?

Are you overweight?

Do you have excess body fat, especially at your waist?

Does your diet include fried, fatty food, snacks (a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol) or heavily spicy and salty food?

Do you drink alcohol daily (more than two drinks if you are a man and more than one drink if you are a woman)?

Do you have an inactive lifestyle, with no time for regular exercise?

Do you find yourself in a high stress environment?

Do you have trouble getting enough of good quality sleep?

If you are a woman, do you have a history of preeclampsia during pregnancy (high blood pressure during pregnancy)?

Do you use stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines?

Based on your answers you have a low risk for heart attack. Heart attack is a medical condition in which one or more of your coronary arteries become blocked and cannot supply your heart with oxygen. Without it the heart cells begins to die. The most effective way to prevent heart disease and heart attack is living a healthy lifestyle. Some of the risk factors for heart disease such as your age and your family history cannot be controlled, but everything else is basically in your hands. Being physically active and eating a healthy diet is a powerful way to fight cardiovascular disease.

Based on your answers you have moderate risk for heart attack. Heart attack or a myocardial infarction occurs when there is a blockage of one or more coronary arteries that supplies the heart with oxygen-rich blood. Without a constant blood supply heart muscle becomes damaged. You may get a heart attack at any age so prevention should start early in life. When you have multiple risk factors it is necessary to work close with your doctor to develop a plan for keeping them under control. Physical activity, healthy diet, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol can increase your chances for feeling good and staying healthy.

Based on your answers you have high risk for heart attack. A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage of the coronary arteries that provide oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Without oxygen heart cells will die. Heart attack is a leading cause of death in the U.S. Heart attack is a serious condition but it can be prevented: manage your blood pressure, control your cholesterol level, reduce blood sugar, stop smoking, get active, lose weight and eat a healthy diet. Please contact your doctor in order to assess your risk factors and build a powerful prevention plan for preventing a heart attack.