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Are you at risk for cardiovascular disease?

Think of Your Heart chronicles by , November 1, 2013 - 12:30

Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide?

Your heart health can be compromised by a number of different risk factors, some of which you can change and others you cannot.

Modifiable risk factors include lack of exercise, smoking, excess weight (especially in the abdominal area), diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress.

“Ask your family doctor to assess
your risk of cardiovascular disease.”

 Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress are a few of the winning strategies for reducing these risks.

Your risk is higher if an immediate family member (parent, sibling) has had a heart attack.

The risk of cardiovascular disease also increases with age, especially in men over 45 and women over 55. Genetics, sex and age are therefore risk factors that you cannot control.

If this concerns you, ask your family doctor or another healthcare professional (pharmacist, nurse, dietitian) to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease.


With the cooperation of 
Marie-Josée Duhamel, RN

The Montreal Heart Institute is in no way responsible for the following comments. These comments reflect the views and opinions of the users and not those of the Montreal Heart Institute.

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