Discuss these things to gauge your likelihood of a heart attack in the next 10 years:
1. Your family's heart-health history
Genetics can work for or against you.
2. How autoimmune diseases affect risk
Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are linked to heart disease.
3. Your diet, exercise, and stress levels
A healthy, low-stress life helps your heart.
4. If you've had pregnancy complications
Gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia can increase risk.
5. Your BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure
Keep track of these numbers so you and your doctor know what's normal for you.
6. If you smoke or regularly breathe in secondhand smoke
Smokers have two to four times the risk of heart disease; secondhand smoke also adds to your risk.
7. Your blood work
Consider screens for cholesterol, blood sugar, triglycerides, and any kidney issues.
The 5 Warning Signs You Should Know
Call hospital if you have any of these symptoms.
1. Pressure or pain in your neck, jaw, arms, shoulders, upper back, or abdomen.
2. Extreme fatigue that's unusual or sudden.
3. Shortness of breath, especially when it's combined with any symptoms listed here or dizziness or lightheadedness (and you don't have asthma).
4. Inexplicably breaking out in a cold sweat that feels similar to stress-related sweats.
5. Nausea or vomiting that strikes out of the blue and occurs with any of the above symptoms.
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