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Are you at risk?
- Age/Sex. Male over 45, female over 55 or post menopausal or had ovaries removed.
- Family History. Father/brother had a heart attack before age 55; or my mother/sister had one before age 65; or my
mother, father, sister, brother or grandparent had a stroke.
- Blood Pressure. 140/90 mm Hg or higher, or I don't know.
- Tobacco Smoke. I smoke, live, or work with people who smoke every day.
- Total Cholesterol. Total cholesterol is 240 mg/dl or higher or I don't know.
- HDL Cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dl or I don't know.
- Physical Activity. Less than 30 minutes of exercise on most days.
- Overweight. 20 lbs or more.
If you answered yes to 2 or more of the above statements, you may be at risk for a heart attack or stroke. It is
recommended that you visit with your health care provider for a complete assessment of your risks.
- Diabetes. Have diabetes or control blood sugar with medication.
- Heart Disease Medical History. Have coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation or other heart condition(s), or
have had a heart attack.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease or Stroke Medical History. Have carotid artery disease, have had a stroke or
TIA (transient ischemic attack); or have a disease of the leg arteries, a high red blood cell count or sickle cell anemia.
If you answered yes to any of the last three,
that automatically places you in the high risk category. It is recommended that you visit with your health care provider for
a complete assessment of your risks.
Elevated cholesterol is a risk factor that can be managed with diet, exercise and medication. In order to reach a goal that will
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, it may be necessary to be seen by a specialty group such as the Lipid and Heart Attack
Prevention Program at the Nebraska Heart Institute. Keep your heart healthy and determine if you need to make any changes that
could affect you for the rest of your life!
If you would like more information about the Lipid Clinic, contact the Nebraska Heart Institute at (402) 328-3990. |
