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In the News - February 2013
Heart disease risk factors
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LITTLE ROCK – A woman’s risk of heart disease begins to rise between the ages of 40 and 60, but women of all ages should take care to protect their hearts, said Lisa Washburn, assistant professor-health, for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“Heart disease can be prevented or controlled by making lifestyle changes, and, if prescribed by a doctor, taking medication,” she said.
While some risk factors, such as age, are not controllable, here are risks and behaviors that can be changed for better health. Controllable risk factors:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Overweight and obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes and prediabetes
- Metabolic syndrome - the name for a group of risk factors linked to overweight and obesity.
Other risk factors that can contribute to heart disease:
- Sleep apnea
- Stress or depression
- Too much alcohol
- Birth control pills (particularly for women over age 35 who smoke)
- Anemia
- Unhealthy diet
For more information about healthier living or family relationships, visit www.uaex.edu or contact your county extension office.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
February 8, 2013
By the Cooperative Extension Service
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uaex.edu
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