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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that many of its risk factors are preventable. While some conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes may require long-term management, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular problems. Below, we break down the most common health conditions and daily habits that increase your heart disease risk—and what you can do about them.
1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
When your blood pressure stays consistently high, it forces your heart to work harder than normal. Over time, this can damage your arteries, leading to heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. Managing high blood pressure with a low-sodium diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and medication (if needed) is essential for heart health.
2. Unhealthy Cholesterol Levels
Your body needs some cholesterol, but too much LDL (bad cholesterol) can clog arteries, increasing your heart disease risk. To maintain healthy levels:
- Avoid trans fats and limit saturated fats
- Eat more fiber-rich foods
- Get regular cholesterol screenings
3. Diabetes and Heart Disease
People with diabetes are up to twice as likely to develop heart disease. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure. If you have diabetes, working closely with your doctor to manage your blood glucose, diet, and medications is critical to protecting your heart.
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4. Obesity and Belly Fat
Being overweight—especially carrying excess fat around the abdomen—is linked to higher cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes risk, all of which contribute to heart disease. If you're struggling with weight loss:
- Incorporate more physical activity
- Reduce processed and sugary foods
- Consider medical weight loss or bariatric care
Explore Bariatric Surgery Options at BASS Medical Group
5. Lifestyle Habits That Harm the Heart
Your daily choices have a direct impact on cardiovascular health. These habits increase your risk:
- A diet high in sodium, trans fats, and added sugars
- A sedentary lifestyle with little exercise
- Excessive alcohol use
- Smoking or vaping
Making small, consistent changes—like walking 30 minutes a day, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking—can make a big difference.
6. Your Family History
Heart disease can run in families. If your parents or siblings had heart disease, your risk may be higher. While you can't change your genetics, you can take proactive steps with early screenings, healthy habits, and regular doctor visits to stay ahead of potential problems.
Take Control of Your Heart Health Today
Heart disease doesn’t develop overnight. If you have any of the above risk factors, it’s not too late to take action. Schedule a heart health consultation with a BASS Medical Group provider to assess your risk and create a personalized prevention plan.
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