Are You at Risk for Heart Attack?

The war with the dreaded swine flu is perhaps overrated with all its media focus… and there’s an even deadlier silent killer that respects no age, religion, race, and gender.  Millions have received the kiss of death with this merciless nemesis that is close to your heart.

Heart attack can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere – this is a fact. There are many factors leading to a serious case of heart stroke that could leave you in a comma, or worst, leave your loved ones wadding in a pool of grief.

Can you do something about it?  YES, is more than just a simple answer. Browsing the web, I have found MSNBC’s quiz very useful and it won’t take too much time or money to see if you’re at risk for heart attack.  It is quite shocking to see the figure, that each year, 1.2 million in America alone suffer heart attack, and 500,000 of them die from it.

We all know that we reduce our risks to any cardiovascular disease, if we can only live a healthy lifestyle.  Sadly, it is easier said than done.  For example, we were cautioned on smoking’s negative effect to our health.  Even TV and print ads warn you about it, but it’s always tempting to try what’s bad, which can be very addictive in the end.

The American Heart Association have lined up these three major risk factors, which cannot be changed:

Age

As the body grows older, the ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to your cells can decrease with age.  Those who are aged 65 or older are at higher risks.

Gender

Men are more likely to suffer heart attack at an earlier age than women do.

Genes

You are more likely prone to heart attack if your family have a history of it. Also, the risk of an attack is great for people with high obesity and/or diabetes rates.

The Good News is that there are factors which you can modify, or quit for good.  Life is worth living for.  Here are the risks factors that you can control:

Cigarette Smoking
High Blood Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Lack of Exercise
Obesity
Diabetes
Stress
Being an Alcoholic

There are many ways to get help and never be too shy to tell your healthcare professional that you have a problem.  Admitting it and making a change is better than doing nothing.

You can know the facts and get the stats to make sure you are living a heart-healthy life.  The choice is always yours to take.  There are natural ways to protect your heart, and always remember that in nature, one can always find healing.

Love Your Heart!