Nearly half of the American population is at risk of heart disease due to several potential factors. Some factors are genetic and uncontrollable, but others result from lifestyle choices. Learn more below about conditions that can increase your risk for heart disease and how preventative care can help.

Contributing Factors That Can Cause Heart Disease

1. Unhealthy Diet

Having a diet that is high in saturated and trans fats, as well as cholesterol and sodium, can contribute to conditions that clog your arteries. Clogged arteries obstruct blood flow and lead to heart disease, making an unhealthy diet dangerous for your heart's health. Watching your intake and tracking your food's nutrient content throughout the day is a preventative care strategy that can stave off this dangerous condition.

2. Inactivity

Exercising regularly helps you to control your weight, keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at manageable levels. Working out is also known to strengthen your heart muscle by improving its ability to circulate your blood. This reduces how hard your heart has to work to support your body as you age, lessening your chances of developing heart disease. Not working out and being inactive increases your likelihood of weight gain and doesn't strengthen your heart muscle, decreasing its efficiency more as you age. 

3. Male Gender

This factor is outside of a person's control, but your birth-assigned gender impacts your risk of heart disease. Throughout most of their lifespan, men are more susceptible to heart disease than women. However, after people reach about 65 years old, the risk is the same for both men and women. Due to the risks being the same later in life, it is vital that all genders strive to practice preventative care throughout their lives.

If you're worried about your risk of heart disease, visit Dumas Family Practice in the northern panhandle of Texas, where a team of primary care doctors can evaluate and treat your current state of health. These doctors treat illnesses, diseases, and conditions with a holistic approach, ensuring both your mental and physical health are well taken care of. Visit their website to learn more about their practice, or call (806) 935-9005 to schedule an appointment at their Dumas location.