Make this new year the year to keep the commitment. By knowing the risk factors and making small changes in our lives, we can create enormous improvements in our health and quality of life. That should be plenty of motivation. According to Santo Polito, MD, cardiologist and medical director for the Glendale Heart Center, there are many risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke that can be eliminated. Certain risk factors, such as gender and heredity can't be changed.
Smoking is the biggest risk factor for sudden cardiac death.
Quitting smoking cuts your risk of a heart attack in half. The higher your blood cholesterol levels, the greater your chance of heart disease. High blood pressure damages the heart by increasing its workload, causing the heart to enlarge and eventually weaken. Modifying your diet to reduce sodium intake, maintaining a healthy weight and increasing physical activity are effective in reducing blood pressure. Medications can be used in more serious cases.