Reduce your risk of Heart Attack

We all know there can be several contributing factors that lend themselves to heart disease, like genetics, biology, and family history. But did you know there are a few things you can do to help keep your ticker healthy? Here's what you can do.

1. Quit Smoking!!!
If you are a smoker here are some stats that you may not know. Female smokers, even the ones that only smoke on occasion increase their risk of heart attack by 124%!!! That's HUGE!! Male smokers increase their risk of heart attack by 43%!! While not quite as significant, that is still a major leap. The difference between the 2 however, may be due to an interaction between a woman's hormones and the smoke.

2. Prevent Diabetes
According to a recent study: "uncontrolled blood sugar is toxic to blood vessels, impairing their structure and function."

3. Lose Belly Fat
A waistline of more than 35 inches need to be trimmed down. Abdominal obesity is linked to hypertension, insulin resistance and an increased risk for contracting heart disease.

4. Exercise!!
Aerobic activity reduces your risk for diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression. Not to mention your risk of having to buy bigger jeans!!

5. Take "the Pill" wisely
If you are a woman tell your lady-doctor about and family history of stroke, heart attack, heart disease or blood clots before filling that RX, since the pill may increase your risk. Some BC pills can also affect your cholesterol, so be sure to have that checked as well. Finally, if you are on the pill to help with polycystic ovarian syndrome, have your lipid and blood levels tested. PCOS also puts you at increased risk for heart disease.

All information found in Fitness Magazine. Sept. 2008 issue.