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Risk Reduction for Heart & Vascular Disease

Stress
High levels of stress can increase your risk for heart and vascular disease. Stress can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure and overeating. To reduce your stress level:

  • Know the sources of stress in your life
  • Know your limits
  • Find social release, get involved in hobbies, exercise
  • Balance work with play
  • Delegate the things you can
  • Seek counseling to help you deal with stress

Assistance is available through the Wellness Institute.

Risk factors that can be modified include:

  • High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart and vascular disease
  • The American Heart Association has identified tobacco use to be the single most important risk factor for heart and vascular disease.
  • High blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
  • Lack of regular exercise (sedentary lifestyle) increases your risk for heart and vascular disease
  • Heart and vascular disease occurs at an earlier age and progresses faster in persons with diabetes.
  • Excess Weight can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels.
  • Depression increases the likelihood that cardiovascular disease will develop and it predicts poorer recovery following a cardiac or vascular event. Depression also makes it more difficult to stop smoking and to engage in a healthy lifestyle.
  • Stress can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure and overeating.

Developed and Reviewed by: Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
Review Date: 2/06

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