KNOW YOUR RISKS
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.
90% of Australians have one or more risk factors for heart disease.
Many risk factors are in your control so you can do something about your risk.
You will not necessarily develop cardiovascular disease if you have a risk factor. But the more risk factors you have the greater the likelihood that you will, unless you take action to modify your risk factors and work to prevent them compromising your heart health.
Risks you can change
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Inactivity - Get active
Smoking - reduce your smoking or quit and avoid secondhand smoke
Poor diet - eat healthy and reduce your salt intake
Blood pressure - don't ignore high blood pressure
Cholesterol - get it checked and adjust your diet to lower your cholesterol if its high
Weight - if you are overweight, seek the help of a dietitian to lose weight
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Risks you can't change
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Family heart history - know your family heart history
Age - As you get older, your risk of heart disease increases.
Gender - Men are at higher risk however a women's risk may catch up after menopause
Ethnicity - Some races are more at risk of heart disease than others
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