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There are things that put you at risk for getting cardiovascular disease that you can't change. But, there are many things that put you at risk that you CAN change! See below for information and resources to help you make changes to lower your risk of getting cardiovascular disease.
Risk factors you can't change:
- Gender: Men's risk of heart disease rises earlier than women's risk, but women have equal risk after menopause.
- Family history: If other people in your family have had a heart attack or heart disease, you are more likely to have one yourself.
- Age: Your risk goes up as you get older.
Risk factors you can change:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco use and smoke exposure
- Diabetes
- Stress
Resources to help you reduce your risk factors:
High Blood Pressure
Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure
DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet
High Cholesterol
National Institutes of Health
American Heart Association
Being Overweight or Obese
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
General nutrition
American Dietetic Association
Physical Inactivity
Shape Up America!
Walking trails in Maine
Maine in Motion
Tobacco Use and Smoke Exposure
Center for Tobacco Independence
Maine Tobacco HelpLine 1-800-207-1230
National Cancer Institute's Smoking Cessation page
Diabetes
Center for Disease Control
American Diabetes Association
MaineHealth Target Diabetes
Stress
National Institutes of Health
MaineHealth Mental Health Integration
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