1. Lifestyle Risk Factors

2. Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the major cause of death in Australia, accounting for 4 out of every 10 deaths that occur. There are a number of factors that have been proven to contribute to the incidence of heart disease. Whilst these factors may not be the cause of CHD, the existence of these factors in an individuals life increases the chances that that person may suffer from some form of heart disease. There are a number of factors that contribute to CHD, however there are several key elements that greatly increase the risk, these are termed lifestyle risk factors : High Blood Pressure High levels of certain blood fats Cigarette smoking Obesity

3. High Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood around the body. High blood pressure is demonstrated by an elevation of blood pressure above that considered normal for an individuals age and sex. Persistently high blood pressure, or hypertension places an unnecessary additional workload on the heart. Hypertension can be controlled through medication, weight control, a regulated diet low in salt and fat, minimising stress levels, and regular physical activity.

4. High Levels of Blood Fats The blood contains a number of different nutrients, including fats. There are a variety of different fats found in the blood, among them being triglycerides and cholesterol. Triglycerides are transported by the blood to the body’s fat deposits, and then to muscles to provide energy for muscular contraction. Cholesterol is carried from the liver to the cells of various tissues where it performs some important functions. When there is an excessive amount of cholesterol present, fatty materials begin to clog up and block the arteries, causing pressure within the arteries to rise. People with higher levels of blood fats are more likely to have a heart attack than an individual with low levels of blood fats. Women typically have lower levels of blood fats than men. Regular physical activity and a controlled diet can help reduce the level of fats within the blood.

5. Cigarette Smoking Smoking has a wide range of effects on the body and it’s health. The risk of respiratory disorders and heart disease is directly related to daily cigarette consumption. Tobacco contains a number of different chemicals that are harmful to the body. The 3 major harmful substances are: Nicotine – a poison used as an insecticide. It increases blood pressure and therefore makes the heart work harder; it promotes thickening of the walls of the arteries; and promotes clotting of the blood vessels. Carbon Monoxide – the same gas found in car fumes. It reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen from the lungs. This is why smokers often feel out of breath. Tars & Irritant Substances – chemical substances coat the lungs of the smoker. They reduce the amount of oxygen transferred through the alveoli, as well as reducing the elasticity of the lungs.

6. Obesity Obesity is a severe overweight condition of the body, defined when a person has an excessive accumulation of body fat, which is more than 20% above the norm for the individuals height, build, and gender. Obesity has a number of physical effects on the body which can be hazardous to health. Because of the increase in body size, the cardio-respiratory system needs to work much harder to provide greater amounts of energy to move the large body mass. This then means that excess heat is generated, causing an increase in sweat and therefore dehydration. The heart must therefore pump blood even faster so that blood can be circulated via the skin, allowing the heat to be released through convection. The primary cause of obesity is an energy intake consistently greater than the energy used in everyday life. The energy not used is stored as fat around major organs such as the heart and stomach, and underneath the skin. Both overeating and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity.

7. Stress Stress is a state of anxiety, frustration and other unpleasant feelings caused by an individual’s response to a specific situation. Stress is simply one of the body’s biological defence mechanisms. When threatened, the body releases adrenalin which increases alertness, muscle strength and speed, preparing the body for a physical confrontation or quick retreat. This “ fight or flight” response causes an increase in blood pressure, higher levels of blood fats, a faster heart rate, and an increase in the clotting ability of the blood. In today’s society we often feel threatened, but in non-physical ways. These days stresses are felt as a result of economic burden, competition, failure to achieve personal goals, domestic problems, and problems with relationships. Stress can be reduced by exercise, meditation, massage, and stress reduction techniques (time management, assertion training etc.).

8. Lack of Regular Physical Activity Most Australians lead sedentary lifestyles. This, teamed together with a diet high in fats, cigarette smoking and other poor lifestyle choices lead to the high incidence of heart disease experienced within Australia. Studies suggest that inactive people are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience some form of heart disease. Regular exercise assists in controlling other risk factors such as blood pressure, obesity, and stress. Whilst physical activity is no guarantee against heart disease, it may delay a heart attack and increase the chance of surviving one, particularly if complemented by a healthy diet.