Healthy Spirit Club E-Module #10
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR HEART DISEASE?
Heart disease affects 1.5 million Americans each year of which 945,000 of them will die. Over 61 million Americans have a form of heart disease, which leads to over $350 million per year in direct and indirect medical costs. Since 1990, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States except in 1918 (WW1).
To determine your risk for heart disease , place a check beside the risk factor(s) that pertain(s) to you:
Risk Factor |
Criteria |
| ____ Physical Inactivity | ____Exercise less than 2 times per week |
| ____ Smoking | ____Any amount of smoking |
| ____ Obesity | ____> 20% of ideal body weight |
| ____ Diabetes | ____Both types |
| ____ Cholesterol | ____> 220 mg/dl |
| ____ Blood Pressure | ____> 140/90 mm/Hg |
| ____ Emotional Stress | ____High or high moderate |
| ____ Family History | ____Immediate family member with heart disease prior to age 55 |
0-2 risk factors = 5% chance of future heart problems.
3 or more risk factors = 50% chance of future heart problems.
What can you do to lower these risk factors?
Most of these risk factors can be decreased through regular cardiovascular exercise and eating a healthy diet.
What does regular cardiovascular exercise program of?
Frequency: 3-5 days/wk
Intensity: 70 - 85% of your maximum heart rate (220-age x .70 and .85)
Duration: 20 - 60 minutes
Mode: Weight bearing (i.e. walking) and enjoyable