Risk factors

Many different risk factors can contribute to the development of heart disease. Some risk factors unfortunately we cannot modify, these include age, gender and family history.

The good news is that there are multiple risk factors that we can modify to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, or assist to manage an existing heart condition! Risk factors that can be changed include:

  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Physical activity
  • Depression

In this module smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes will be discussed. The other risk factors will be discussed throughout different modules of this program. Goal setting is an important tool to promote behaviour change and assist in reducing risk factors. Make sure to check out the goal setting section of this module and think about what changes you would like to make to improve your health.

Improving your lifestyle and modifying your risk factors will not just reduce your risk of developing heart disease, but also other health conditions and improve your overall health and wellbeing!

 

Acknowledgements to Morguefile for images