A risk factor is anything that may increase your chance of developing a disease. In this case, we’re talking about vascular disease. Specific risk factors may include activities such as smoking, or a poor diet. While different diseases have different risk factors, many also share the same risk factors! For a more profound diagnosis, doctors must examine the risk factors to narrow down the disease from an ever-expanding list.
Risk Factors of Vascular Disease
The following risk factors are associated with all major vascular conditions. Furthermore, these risk factors are modifiable. So what does that mean for you? Well, the following risk factors can be altered. You could stop smoking or change your diet, for example. You have a say in how risk factors affect your body. For instance, most patients who change their habits discover a noticeable increase in their heart health. Some effects are almost immediate, while others increase gradually over the next few days, weeks, months, and even years!
- Diabetes – Diabetes is a group of diseases resulting from too much sugar in the blood. You may combat or prevent diabetes outright by exercising often, and eating a healthier diet.
- Smoking – It’s best not to begin smoking in the first place. But if you find yourself addicted to nicotine, consider quitting immediately. Your heart will thank you for it!
- Exercise – Place an exercise regimen into your daily activities. Even a slight increase in cardiovascular exercise helps strengthen the heart, and will improve blood flow throughout the body.
Understanding Risk Factors
Now, while the above-mentioned factors do increase your risk for vascular disease, they do not necessarily cause the disease outright. Some patients with one or more risk factors never develop vascular disease. And others can develop vascular disease without any known risk factors whatsoever! Whatever the case, understanding your risk factors can guide you down a better path.
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Schedule a vascular disease consultation with the experts at Brookhaven Heart. Give us a call now at 631-654-3278!
