ACS Q&A with Dr. Gooszen – What Are Some Ways to Lower Risk of Heart Disease?

To lower your risk of heart disease, it’s important to know your risk factors. The risk factors that can be modified include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.

If your blood pressure is higher than 120/80, you should see a healthcare provider to discuss treatment. You should also have your cholesterol checked. Based on your cholesterol levels, we can estimate your risk of developing heart disease and determine whether you would benefit from cholesterol-lowering treatment.

If you smoke, you should quit smoking. If you have diabetes, it should be treated and kept under good control. Managing diabetes is an important part of reducing your risk of heart disease.