Consumer Health Guide: Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. About 90 percent of middle-aged people and more than 74 percent of young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease.

• Be more physically active.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce your stress.
• Get enough quality sleep.
• Track your heart health stats.

Everyone is at risk for heart disease.

But you are at higher risk for heart disease if you:

• Have high cholesterol
• Have high blood pressure 
• Smoke
• Are overweight or obese 
• Don't get enough physical activity
• Don't eat a healthy diet 

Your age and family history also affect your risk for heart disease.

Your risk is higher if: 

• You are a woman over age 55
• You are a man over age 45
• Your father or brother had heart disease before age 55
• Your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65