Know the Hidden Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Rosa Ortiz of Allentown knew something was wrong when she grew short of breath after walking just a few blocks. She went for tests that showed high cholesterol, blood pressure and a blocked artery, which has since been opened.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, you may have risk factors for heart disease. Here are some hidden ones:
- High blood pressure that’s more than 120 over 80.
- High cholesterol. Know your good and bad cholesterol, not just your total.
- Blood sugar (glucose) levels that are higher than normal.
- Physical inactivity.
- Weight gain around the middle.
- Family history of heart disease.
- Ethnicity. African Americans are at high risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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