By Kevin Pederson
There are many reasons by which people can be affected by heart disease. By knowing these reasons, one can start taking precautions before reaching a dire state. Reasons for having heart disease may be very common, but the repercussions are very bad for your health.
Age can be a major factor in suffering from heart disease. Statistics show that 83% of people who suffer from heart disease or any ailment relating to heart are 65 or older. Being of male gender also causes heart problems, as men are prone to die of heart attacks at an early age. After menopause, women's chances of having heart attacks also increases.
Heredity plays a very important role in determining your chances of having a heart problem. Children whose parents suffer from heart disease are more likely to be affected by this disease if proper care is not taken. As for race, African Americans suffer the highest risk of heart disease due to high blood pressure, as compared to Caucasians. Many Americans also suffer from obesity, which can cause heart disease.
Smoking is not good for your health, as it causes problems which can lead to heart ailments. Passive smoking is also unhealthy -- you are inhaling cigarette fumes. Cholesterol is also an important culprit in causing heart disease, and it's affected by age, sex, heredity and your diet.
Blood pressure and lack of physical activity also cause problems. High blood pressure leads to an over-load of work for the heart, which can lead to thickening of the heart and increases the chances for stroke, heart attack and heart failure. Also, stress, diabetes and alcohol can all play a part in causing heart problems.
Source: articlecircle.com
