Heart Disease, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular disease (often called heart disease) refers to a class of diseases affecting your heart and/or blood vessels. Types of cardiovascular diseases common in Australia are coronary heart disease (heart attacks), stroke and heart failure.
According to the Heart Foundation, things that may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease are:
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar levels
- Being inactive
- Being overweight
- Having an unhealthy diet
- Depression and isolation.
Unfortunately, there are also risk factors that can’t be changed such as age, gender, ethnic background and family history.
Dietitians at PDC Allied Health can work with you to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. By making small changes to your diet, you can reduce your cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure, improve blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. All of these can reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
