As readers of Forecast , you are probably already fairly attuned to the risk factors that predispose one to heart attacks and strokes. While poorly controlled diabetes is one risk, it's certainly not the only one. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking are other major risk factors. All of these conditions are collectively referred to as modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. This means that when we properly control them through the use of medications or lifestyle behavior changes, we dramatically reduce our chances of ever developing cardiovascular disease.
Physicians also recognize older age and genetics as major cardiovascular risk factors.
This month, I thought I would try doing something slightly different. I've spent a great deal of time discussing all of the health benefits of routine exercise on the cardiovascular system. Yet I haven't explored the many other things we all can do to reduce our risk of heart disease or stroke. Exercise is only one part of the puzzle. By understanding other risk factors, and how to screen for them, potential problems can be spotted much more quickly.