Baptist Health Paducah
What are the greatest risk factors for heart disease?
There seven main risk factors for heart disease. They are: tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, hypertension or high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. The good thing is that all of these risk factors are modifiable. By managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, exercising, eating better, losing weight, and stopping smoking, a person can dramatically decrease their risk of heart disease.
Are the signs of a heart attack different for men and women?
The most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women is chest pain or pressure; however, women are somewhat more likely than men to have atypical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, pain in the lower chest or abdomen, dizziness, or extreme fatigue.
When should I go to the ER, what signs/symptoms should I look for?
There are many causes of chest pain, and actually, the majority of these end up not being related to the heart; however, since heart disease can be deadly, it’s best not to take any chances. Any time you experience chest pain, or even some of the more atypical or subtle symptoms mentioned above, the best thing is to come to the ER for an evaluation.
Does a family history play a role in my risk factor for heart disease?
Yes, but probably not as much as some people think. Heart disease is very common and is the number one cause of death in the U.S., so it’s not unusual to have a family member who has been diagnosed with heart problems. It does not mean that you need to panic. If you have a first degree relative, meaning a parent or sibling, who was diagnosed with heart disease before the age of 55 in men and 65 in women, you may be at an increased risk. If that applies to you, then it would be recommended to see your doctor to discuss ways to help reduce your risk.
Is there a heart-health risk assessment I can take?
Yes. Baptist Health provides a free, online assessment that you can take to learn about your potential risks. Our risk assessments are used to provide you with an evaluation of your health risk today, five years down the road, ten years down the road, or for a lifetime. Take your free assessment today: Health Risk Assessments – Baptist Health Paducah.
How does obesity contribute to heart disease?
Obesity is very common in the United States, affecting approximately one in every three Americans. Obesity is linked to several factors that increase a person’s risk for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Obesity is also linked to enlargement of the heart and risk for heart failure. Obesity is defined by having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above. Even small decreases in weight can go a long way toward decreasing a person’s risk for heart disease.
