What are Risk Factors?

Risk factors are things that increase a person's chance of developing a disease. There are two types of risk factors, modifiable and non-modifiable.

Modifiable Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Modifiable risk factors are things a person can change or impact through behavior and lifestyle. These can include:

• Tobacco use
• Alcohol use
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical Inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• Stress

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Non-modifiable risk factors are things a person cannot make changes to or control and include:

• Age
• Gender 
• Genetics
• Race/ethnicity 

If you want to learn more about heart disease risk factors click HERE.

What is a Stroke?

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability among adults in the United States. A stroke is when blood vessels, which bring oxygen to the brain, become blocked or ruptured. When this occurs, the lack of oxygen destroys brain cells within minutes. Long-term effects of stroke may be permanent, depending on how many cells are lost, their location in the brain, and other factors. It is important to act fast to recognize and respond to the warning signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately so that medication can be administered to limit the damage of the stroke.

Warning Signs Include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

What is a Heart Attack?

Plaque buildup makes it difficult for blood to flow due to narrowing of the arteries. You may still be at risk for having heart disease even if you are not experiencing any symptoms or are having atypical symptoms. A heart attack occurs when an artery becomes blocked and prevents oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart.  

Call 9-1-1 immediately if an individual is experiencing signs or symptoms of a heart attack.  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately if a person loses consciousness and has no heartbeat or is not breathing. If available, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible. 

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

• Pain or discomfort in the
  • Jaw
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Arms (one or both)
  • Stomach
• Feeling weak or faint
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath (with or without chest pain)
• Breaking out into a cold sweat
• Nausea
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Heart Attacks in Women

Women experiencing a heart attack can have any of the symptoms listed above. They also can experience

• Upper back pressure
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Upset stomach
• Pain in the shoulder (back or arm)

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in your blood. It helps your body create membranes, vitamin D, and some hormones. ^[2] Your body needs cholesterol to function but elevated cholesterol levels may contribute to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis) increasing your risk of stroke and heart disease. 

Total cholesterol refers to the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL and LDL.  A total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL is considered normal. A total level between 200 and 239 mg/dL is elevated. Levels 240mg/dL and greater are considered high.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure tells you how hard the blood is pushing against the walls of blood vessels. You see it written as two numbers, the top number (systolic) tells you the pressure when the heart is contracting and the bottom number (diastolic) tells you the pressure when the heart is at rest.

Why Does Your Blood Pressure Matter?

Untreated high blood pressure can lead to things like stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and other problems. Often people don’t have any signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, which is why it is sometimes called the ‘silent killer’. If you think you are experiencing a hypertensive emergency call 911.

Possible Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Back pain
• Severe headache
• Weakness
• Changes in vision
• Difficulty speaking

Talk with your healthcare provider about how often you should have your blood pressure checked. If you want to track your blood pressure at home, use a validated machine. A list of validated machines can be found here.

Blood Pressure Categories

Hypertension Crisis

• 180+/120+ mmHg

Hypertension Stage 2

• 140+/190+ mmHg

Hypertension Stage 1

• 130-139/80-89 mmHg

Elevated

• 120-129/<80 mmHg

Normal

• • Typically below 120/80 mmHg. 

Low Blood Pressure

• Usually below 90/60 mmHg, this can lead to dizziness or fainting

Taking Blood Pressure at Home

• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages at least 30 minutes before
• Go the bathroom
• Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes

While Measuring

• Sit upright with your back supported and your feet flat on the ground
• Rest your arm on a flat surface at heart height
• Don't talk

Managing Your Blood Pressure

Blood pressure will change throughout the day due to activity, stress, and rest, however consistently high blood pressure will require management. There are a variety of ways you can work to manage your blood pressure. Progress, not perfection, is the goal when it comes to making positive health changes.

• Increase physical activity
• Limit alcoholic drinks to one per day
• Eat a heart healthy diet
• Lower your stress levels
• Lower your sodium (salt) intake
• Quit tobacco
• Improve your sleep

If you want to learn more about high blood pressure click HERE.

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural response to challenges, sometimes called stressors. Stress can be helpful, when adjusting to new situations, staying alert, or staying awake to study for example. When there is too much stress or prolonged stress, harmful side effects may arise.

Your Body's Biological Response to Stress

A stress response begins when the eyes and ears sense danger and send the information to the amygdala. The amygdala instantly sends the distress signal to the hypothalamus which activates the sympathetic nervous system. Signals are sent through the autonomic nerves to the adrenal glands, and they begin to pump adrenaline and cortisol in the bloodstream.

Adrenaline causes an increased heart rate and increases your energy. Cortisol increases your glucose in the bloodstream and the amount of glucose your brain is using. Cortisol also slows down non-essential processes, such as the digestive system, reproductive system, and growth processes. If your stress is chronic, this system stays "on" and the body is on high alert. This can lead to disruption of the body's normal processes along with negative health problems. 

Symptoms of Stress can Include

• Changes in appetite
• Trouble concentrating
• Nightmares
• Headaches
• Stomach problems
• Feelings of fear, anger, worry, frustration, or sadness

When stress begins to affect your life on a daily basis, it is important to talk to a professional. 

Stress Management Tips and Techniques

There is no one way to best manage stress. It is all about finding what works best for you. Below are some suggestions, click on any of the techniques to learn more.

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Deep Breathing
• Positive Self-Talk
• Journaling
• Improve your sleep
• Mindfulness