Proper management of diabetes is essential for cardiovascular health, and a physician should be consulted whenever diabetes is suspected. Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for heart disease, yet millions of Americans still don't exercise at all. Numerous studies have shown that exercise reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, increases HDL cholesterol levels, regulates glucose, lowers blood pressure, and increases the flexibility of arteries. Moreover, exercise has been shown to reduce mental stress as well. Many people can benefit from exercising at least 30 minutes a day three times a week.
Exercise can even include gardening, walking, or housework.
Oral contraceptives may pose an increased cardiovascular risk for women, especially those with other risk factors such as smoking. Researchers believe that birth control pills raise blood pressure and blood sugar levels in some women, as well as increase the risk for blood clot formation. The risks associated with oral contraceptive use increase as women get older. Furthermore, women who smoke and use oral contraceptives are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than women who neither smoke nor use oral contraceptives. Women should make their physicians aware of any other cardiovascular risk factors they may have before they begin taking oral contraceptives.