There are several conditions, or risk factors, that increase the chances of getting heart disease. Here are a few common ones:
- Hypertension: This also known as high blood pressure. It is a measurement of how much force blood is putting on the walls of the veins and arteries.
- Overweight and Obesity: Too much body weight is associated with other risk factors listed here, but scientists have also found that obesity can affect the actual structure and function of the heart, particularly the left ventricle.
- Diabetes: This is when the body is not able to keep blood glucose (sugar) levels normal. People with diabetes often have other risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity.
- High Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood. It is involved in many different activities in the body, from building parts of cells, to brain function, to helping with digestion and creating hormones. The body makes most of its cholesterol in the liver, but it is also found in food.
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