As per Aditi Jagtap Pune By making positive lifestyle changes and working closely with your healthcare provider to manage any underlying conditions, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Remember that prevention is key, and the choices you make today can have a profound impact on your heart health in the years to come. So, take the necessary steps to prioritise your heart’s well-being and live a longer, healthier life.

1. COMMON RISK FACTORS
FOR HEART DISEASE:
ADITI JAGTAP PUNE
DR RANJIT JAGTAP DAUGHTER

2. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of
death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each
year. The good news is that many cases of heart
disease are preventable through lifestyle changes
and risk factor management. To effectively protect
your heart health, it’s crucial to understand the
common risk factors that contribute to heart
disease. In this blog, we will delve into these risk
factors, exploring their significance and offering
practical advice on how to reduce your risk.
Heart disease

3. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a
significant risk factor for heart disease. The force of blood
against the walls of your arteries can damage them over
time, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries),
which can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Monitoring your blood pressure regularly and taking steps
to keep it in a healthy range (usually below 120/80 mm Hg)
is essential as per Dr. Ranjit Jagtap Daughter.
How to Manage: Maintain a healthy diet low in sodium,
exercise regularly, limit alcohol consumption, and manage
stress through relaxation techniques.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)

4. High levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol,
can build up in your arteries and form plaque. This
can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow,
increasing the risk of heart disease.
How to Manage: Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Reduce
saturated and trans fats, quit smoking, and consider
medication if your doctor recommends it.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

5. How to Manage: Quitting smoking is one of
the most important steps you can take for
your heart health. Seek support and
resources to help you quit, such as
counselling, nicotine replacement therapy, or
medications.
Smoking is a major contributor to heart
disease. It damages the blood vessels, lowers
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol
(the “good” cholesterol), and increases the
risk of blood clots. Even exposure to
secondhand smoke can be harmful.
Smoking and Tobacco Use

6. How to Manage: If you have diabetes, work
closely with your healthcare team to manage
your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise,
and medication as needed.
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of
heart disease. High blood sugar levels can
damage blood vessels and nerves that control
the heart and blood vessels.
DIABETES

7. Excess body weight, especially around the
waist, is a risk factor for heart disease.
Obesity can lead to high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
How to Manage: Aim to achieve and
maintain a healthy weight through a
balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Even modest weight loss can have a
positive impact on your heart health.
OBESITY

8. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity
and other risk factors for heart disease.
Regular physical activity helps maintain a
healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and
improve overall cardiovascular health says Dr.
Ranjit Jagtap Daughter.
How to Manage: Incorporate at least 150
minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic
exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity
exercise into your weekly routine. Find
activities you enjoy to make it sustainable.
PHYSICAL INACTIVITY

9. Diets high in saturated and trans fats, salt,
and added sugars can increase your risk of
heart disease. These diets can lead to
weight gain, high blood pressure, and high
cholesterol.
How to Manage: Opt for a heart-healthy
diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
lean proteins, and healthy fats like those
found in nuts and olive oil. Limit processed
foods and sugary beverages.
UNHEALTHY DIET

10. While moderate alcohol consumption may
have some heart benefits, excessive drinking
can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure,
and even cardiomyopathy (a disease of the
heart muscle).
How to Manage: If you choose to drink
alcohol, do so in moderation. For most
people, this means up to one drink per day
for women and up to two drinks per day for
men.
EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

11. Understanding and addressing these common risk
factors for heart disease is essential for maintaining
good heart health. As per Aditi Jagtap Pune By
making positive lifestyle changes and working
closely with your healthcare provider to manage
any underlying conditions, you can significantly
reduce your risk of heart disease. Remember that
prevention is key, and the choices you make today
can have a profound impact on your heart health in
the years to come. So, take the necessary steps to
prioritise your heart’s well-being and live a longer,
healthier life.
CONCLUSION

12. THANK YOU