Heart disease can happen to anyone no matter your age. In fact, in the world we live in, more and more young people are getting heart disease. High rates of obesity and high blood pressure among younger people put them at risk for heart disease earlier in life. In the US at least half of Americans have at least one of the top three risk factors for heart disease which are, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking).
Millions of people in America of all ages have high blood pressure. Half of these people do not have it under control and having uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the biggest risks for heart disease and harmful conditions, such as a stroke.
High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease as well. If you have diabetes, are obese, smoke a lot, eating unhealthy, and not exercising this can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Obesity, carrying extra weight can cause stress on your heart. 1 in 3 Americans and 1 in 6 children ages 2 to 19—has obesity. By managing what you eat, and excersizing you can combat obesity and help prevent heart disease.
Physical Inactivity, it is important to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate workouts and only 1 in 5 adults meet the physical activity guide lines. Staying active can help keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.
Unhealthy eating, many Americans, in fact most Americans and children eat too much sodium (salt), which increases blood pressure. Replace high sodium foods with fresh fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure. Only 1 in 10 adults are getting enough fruits and vegetables each day. Diets that are high in trans-fat, saturated fat, and added sugar increases the risk for heart disease.
We are in control when it comes to our health and our hearts. Don’t smoke, manage conditions, make heart-healthy eating changes, eat food low in trans-fat, saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium.
Remember no matter what age, you can get heart disease.