Her Risk Factors Were Hidden

Rosa Ortiz of Allentown, Pa., walked three hours a day, ate a healthy diet, never smoked and had no family history of heart disease. But when she tired easily and grew short of breath after walking just a few blocks, the 66-year-old former nurse (in photo, right) knew something was wrong.

She went to her doctor, internist Jon Brndjar, D.O., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Tests showed her total cholesterol was 211 and her blood pressure was also high, so Brndjar ordered a nuclear stress (treadmill) test to get a detailed look at how her heart was functioning. When the results showed a probable blocked artery, he sent her to a cardiologist who confirmed the diagnosis and opened the blockage.

“Even if you don’t have symptoms, you may have risk factors you’re not aware of,” Brndjar says. “Talk with your doctor about your heart health and your risks.” Here’s what may be hidden:

High blood pressure (hypertension): “This is more common than most people think, so everyone should know their numbers and understand what is normal,” says Brndjar’s colleague, cardiologist Vadim Levin, M.D. “Your blood pressure should not exceed 120 over 80.”

Cholesterol: Get your cholesterol checked regularly and don’t rely on just the total number, Levin says. Make sure you know your HDL (“good” cholesterol), LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides (another fat-like substance in the blood). Talk with your doctor about the results.

Pre-diabetes: “Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have a condition called pre-diabetes—blood glucose levels higher than normal,” says internist Edgar Maldonado, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Pre-diabetes and diabetes can cause long-term damage to the heart and circulatory system.”

Sedentary lifestyle: While most people know that bad habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use damage your heart, Maldonado says, they may not understand the risks of being physically inactive. Fitness is essential to heart health.

Weight gain around the middle: Being overweight is a well-known heart disease risk factor, but don’t ignore a gradual weight gain in your belly, Brndjar says. A “spare tire” puts you at higher risk than extra pounds on your thighs and buttocks.

Family history: “If you don’t know whether your parents or grandparents had heart disease, find out, even if that means talking to cousins, aunts and uncles,” Brndjar says. “You may have a family history of heart disease and not know it.”

Ethnicity: Like family history, you can’t do anything about your heritage—but it pays to be aware. African-Americans are at higher risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks and stroke, Brndjar says. And diabetes is more common in African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian-Americans.