Diabetes Diabetes is a condition that develops when the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin well. Insulin is a hormone. It breaks down sugar in the blood into energy for your body. If your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly, then you will have high blood sugar. High blood sugar increases plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) which raises the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. Learn more about diabetes from the Canadian Diabetes Association at diabetes.ca Pre-eclampsia Women who have had preeclampsia during pregnancy have an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS Unhealthy weight Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk. It can also help control high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. You can assess your weight in two ways: finding your BMI (body mass index) and measuring your waist circumference. BMI is based on your height and weight. Finding your BMI can tell you if you are overweight, normal weight, or underweight. This chart is for people 18 to 65 years old, except if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or very muscular. My BMI is Source: Health Canada, Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults. Ottawa:
Minister of Public works and Government Services Canada; 2003, available online at http://www.hc- sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/weights-poids/guide-ld- adult/bmi_chart-graph_imc-eng.php Understanding Your Heart And The Causes Of Heart Disease | 9