You hear about cancer nearly every day — on TV, in social media, maybe you even have a personal connection to this horrible disease. It has impacted everyone in one way or another. But, did you know there is another disease responsible for taking more lives each year than all types of cancer combined? Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America.

There are many contributing factors in a diagnosis of heart disease. Some of the most common cardiovascular risks include:

  • Being overweight
  • Smoking
  • Having high blood pressure
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • Having high cholesterol
  • Diabetes

While these risk factors might not come as a surprise, the following seldom talk about facts about heart disease might:

1. Heart Disease Can Affect Children

The same factors that impact the risk of heart-related problems in adults can also affect children. Make sure kids stay active, eat healthy foods and receive regular checkups to reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. The Rate of Heart Disease in the Hispanic Community is High

According to the American Heart Association, 29.6 percent of Hispanic or Latino women were killed by cardiovascular disease in 2013 — the rate among Hispanic or Latino men was nearly as high at 27.4 percent. In the same year, more than 30 percent of Mexican-American men and women over the age of 20 had signs and symptoms of heart disease.

3. Not Getting Enough Sleep is Bad for Your Heart

In January 2003, the Archives of Internal Medicine featured a study among adult females that showed the risk of cardiovascular disease increased by 39 percent for those who received fewer than five hours of sleep each night.

4. Secondhand Smoke is Not Only a Cancer Risk

Mayo Clinic reports that when a person is exposed to secondhand smoke, the person’s arteries to do have the ability to dilate. This increases the risk of heart-related conditions, including heart disease.

5. Heart Attacks Can Pass Unnoticed

Not every heart attack comes in the form of sudden chest pain. In fact, some heart attacks are not felt at all. Common heart attack symptoms can include chest discomfort such as pressure or squeezing, shortness of breath or arm pain. Uncommon symptoms of a heart attack include sweating, nausea or even back pain. It is important to discuss heart disease risks with your healthcare provider and attend follow-up appoints as needed to lessen the risk of a heart attack.

You can reduce the risk of heart disease by making healthier choices and working with your physician to improve your overall well-being. If you would like more information about how you can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, call Rodriguez MD today to set up a consultation with Dr. Deborah Rodriguez or Dr. Veronica Rodriguez.