By Wendi Hope Bishop, Editor

As we observe February as American Heart Month, many of us will wonder: Am I at Risk? Knowing your increased risks for heart disease will help you develop a plan to control that risk and live a healthy lifestyle.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Since it may be some time before symptoms ever appear, it is important to pay attention to your risk factors and amend your lifestyle before symptoms develop.

Although you cannot change many risk factors such as gender (males at higher risk), increasing age and family history, there are three main risk factors that you can control.

• Blood pressure—Your blood pressure can change from minute to minute depending on activities. These changes are typical. However, consistently high blood pressure can lead to such conditions as heart disease, kidney failure and stroke. Because it is relatively easy to treat/lower, it's important for you to have your blood pressure monitored on a frequent basis. See 4 Your Heart to learn how to get your numbers.
  
  If your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, your risk is increased. A normal blood pressure level is around 120/80. If you are close, lower levels usually can be reached through lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight, regular exercise, a healthy low-sodium diet and limited alcohol intake. If blood pressure is severe, medication can help.

• Cholesterol—The risk of developing heart disease or atherosclerosis increases as the level of blood cholesterol increases. The body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so any extra cholesterol or fat in the diet causes plaque buildup inside blood vessels. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200 with LDLs less than 130, HDLs greater than 40 for men and 50 for women and Triglycerides less than 150. A low-fat diet, exercise and losing weight can reduce your cholesterol. Click here for ways to improve your cholesterol.

• Tobacco—If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quit. Smoking causes as many deaths from heart disease as from lung cancer. Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to have a heart attack than a nonsmoker, because smoking causes the heart vessels to become narrower. The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk. Heart attacks also are more severe and deadly in smokers. Quitting smoking will greatly increase your health. Click here to learn more about how to quit smoking.
  

To have your heart risk assessed, call 865.305.6970 or toll-free 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737). 4 Your Heart appointments are available weekly throughout the year.

Visit the Heart Lung Vascular Institute for more information.