RISK FACTORS FOR CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE Risk factors for heart disease are conditions or habits that make it more likely that you will get heart disease. Some risk factors for coronary artery disease can be changed and others cannot. “Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among First Nations. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In order to reduce the poor health and obesity associated with heart disease, we need to eat healthy foods and exercise at least 30 minutes per day. We need to return to the days when our Peoples maintained very active lifestyles.
As the Chair of the national AFN Chiefs Committee on Health, I am making it a priority that our Peoples have access to healthy foods and health prevention and promotion programming. Together, we can become healthy and happy, and inspire others to do the same.” ~ Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT ARE RISK FACTORS High blood pressure Blood pressure measures the pressure of blood on the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure (hypertension) is when your heart muscle has to work harder than normal to pump blood through your arteries. It can weaken your artery walls, and increase your risk of heart disease.
Your blood pressure target depends on your age and whether you have diabetes. Speak to your healthcare provider about what blood pressure is considered high for you. My blood pressure is High blood cholesterol and triglycerides Three main types of fats (lipids) are normally found in the blood and in the cells of the body: • LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol because it can increase plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). High levels of LDL cholesterol increase your risk of heart attack. LDL • HDL cholesterol is called good cholesterol because it helps move bad cholesterol to the liver for breakdown. Low levels of HDL cholesterol increase your risk of heart attack. High levels are good.
Image: Shutterstock.com • Triglycerides are a type of fat (not a type of cholesterol). Your body switches some calories from food to triglycerides. HDL Cholesterol is important. It is found in all cells of the body. Your body makes most of the cholesterol in your blood — only one-fifth comes from food. My cholesterol level is 8 | Heart and Stroke Foundation