Information on Predisposition Towards Heart Disease

Certain people have a greater predisposition toward heart disease than others, based on factors of both habits and lifestyle choices as well as family history. These factors include diet, exercise, stress and genetics.

Diet

• A diet that is high in certain nutrients, such as cholesterol and trans-fats, typically heightens your risk for heart disease. They may cause high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are both highly correlated to heart disease. On the other hand, a diet high in fiber may reduce your risk by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Exercise

• Exercise is key to lowering your risk of heart disease. Healthy amounts of exercise can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. Those who do not exercise are at a much higher risk of heart disease, especially people who are obese.

Stress

• High amounts of stress may increase your risk of heart disease. Individuals who are overworked, suffering constant emotional issues or lacking leisure time may be suffering from excessive amounts of stress. Practicing meditation and other relaxation techniques is a good way to lower stress.

Genetics

• Many people who develop heart disease have a strong family history of it. This suggests that the disease could be inherited through genes, or at least the tendency toward the disease may be linked.

Environment

• Another explanation for an afflicted individual with a strong family history of heart disease is that he has inherited certain habits or lifestyle features that contribute to greater risk. For example, if a child is raised with parents who eat poorly, do not exercise and live in a high-stress environment, there is a good chance that this child will inherit some of these features in his adult life.