Healthy Lifestyle

The risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) can be divided generally into two main categories :
• Controllable Risk Factors • Uncontrollable Risk Factors

Uncontrollable risk factors

• Age - The older you get, the more likely you could develop CHD
• Race - Some races tend to have a higher predisposition to CHD. In the Singapore context, Indians generally have a higher incidence of CHD.
• Gender - Middle-aged men have a higher risk of CHD than women.
• Heredity - The genetic make-up of some individuals increases their chances of developing heart disease. This is especially true if there is family history of CHD.

Controllable risk factors

• High Cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood contribute to plaque build-up that can clog blood vessels leading to the heart, narrowing them and potentially blocking blood flow to the heart muscles.
• High Blood Pressure (hypertension) strains the heart and increases wear and tear on the blood vessels, making blockage more likely.
• Smoking has been identified as one of the most modifiable risk factors. Nicotine in cigarettes speeds up the heart and also narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood flow.
• Being Overweight - The American Heart Association has identified obesity as a major risk factor for CHD. Obesity increases blood pressure, blood cholesterol and the risk of diabetes, and may directly contribute to CHD.
• Inactivity - When you are inactive, your blood circulation is less efficient, increasing the risk of some blood vessel blockage.
• Stress can cause increase blood pressure in some individuals.

While it is important to understand your risk factors for heart disease, it is even more important whether you do something about it. It is strongly advised that you check your risk factors, especially the controllable ones and keep them under control.