This article is part ofHealth Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series.Julie Bang / VerywellMeet the ExpertGladys Velarde, M.D.is a member of the American College of Cardiology Prevention, Disparities of Care Work Group, and on the CardioSmart.org editorial board. Dr. Velarde’s clinical interests include heart disease in women and other populations along with preventive care.Verywell Health: What heart disease risk factors should people be aware of?Dr. Velarde:Smokingis a significant risk factor because it is so damaging, not only to the cardiovascular system, but to all organs. Despite smoking rates decreasing in the United States, it is still quite pervasive and more so in certain regions of the country.Quitting tobacco is critical because it doesn’t matter how well you eat or how much you exercise: if you smoke, you’re putting yourself at great risk of developing health conditions, including heart disease.Another major factor is stress.Especially during thepandemic, everyone was feeling some level of stress. It forced us to reevaluate our lives, values, and our relationships. We needed to be more lenient with ourselves and one another.People can help combat stress through things like:MeditationConnecting with family and friends more oftenBeing outdoors and appreciating natureAnd, of course, knowing your family history for heart disease will help you be aware of your risk.It’s also important to track yourblood pressureandcholesterolnumbers and, if they are elevated, treat them under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
This article is part ofHealth Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series.
Julie Bang / Verywell
Meet the ExpertGladys Velarde, M.D.is a member of the American College of Cardiology Prevention, Disparities of Care Work Group, and on the CardioSmart.org editorial board. Dr. Velarde’s clinical interests include heart disease in women and other populations along with preventive care.
Meet the Expert
Gladys Velarde, M.D.is a member of the American College of Cardiology Prevention, Disparities of Care Work Group, and on the CardioSmart.org editorial board. Dr. Velarde’s clinical interests include heart disease in women and other populations along with preventive care.
Verywell Health: What heart disease risk factors should people be aware of?
Dr. Velarde:Smokingis a significant risk factor because it is so damaging, not only to the cardiovascular system, but to all organs. Despite smoking rates decreasing in the United States, it is still quite pervasive and more so in certain regions of the country.
Quitting tobacco is critical because it doesn’t matter how well you eat or how much you exercise: if you smoke, you’re putting yourself at great risk of developing health conditions, including heart disease.
Another major factor is stress.Especially during thepandemic, everyone was feeling some level of stress. It forced us to reevaluate our lives, values, and our relationships. We needed to be more lenient with ourselves and one another.
People can help combat stress through things like:
And, of course, knowing your family history for heart disease will help you be aware of your risk.It’s also important to track yourblood pressureandcholesterolnumbers and, if they are elevated, treat them under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cigarette smoking among U.S. adults hits all-time low.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cigarette smoking.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart disease and mental health.American Psychological Association.Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress.American Heart Association.Spend time in nature to reduce stress and anxiety.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Family health history of heart disease.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cigarette smoking among U.S. adults hits all-time low.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cigarette smoking.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart disease and mental health.American Psychological Association.Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress.American Heart Association.Spend time in nature to reduce stress and anxiety.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Family health history of heart disease.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cigarette smoking among U.S. adults hits all-time low.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cigarette smoking.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart disease and mental health.American Psychological Association.Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress.American Heart Association.Spend time in nature to reduce stress and anxiety.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Family health history of heart disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cigarette smoking among U.S. adults hits all-time low.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cigarette smoking.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart disease and mental health.
American Psychological Association.Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress.
American Heart Association.Spend time in nature to reduce stress and anxiety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Family health history of heart disease.
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