Ten percent had blood pressures that were higher than normal. The students' weights had a direct correlation to the other risk factors - high cholesterol, high blood pressure and the buildup of fatty deposits in the carotid artery. The results suggest that laying the groundwork for a healthy diet during adolescence is crucial to help prevent the development of heart disease as we age. Although women need more calories during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is still need for a heart-healthy diet. A daily prenatal multivitamin is often encouraged, but eating a healthy diet is more important for both mother and baby.
Many women find they are unable to lose all of the weight they gain during pregnancy.
Diabetes Diabetes increases the risk of developing CVD, however, this risk is greater for women than men. Diabetes causes changes in blood vessel elasticity and plaque formation that lead to atherosclerosis and elevated blood pressure levels. Diabetes also increases the risk of stroke, as well as the severity and mortality of strokes. Smoking increases damage to blood vessels, and is a strong risk factor for CVD by itself. Maintain blood pressure at desirable levels of Eat a diet low in fat, saturated fat, trans fatty acids and cholesterol to maintain blood levels of cholesterol within healthy levels.