Heart disease can develop slowly over time, often before symptoms appear. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and other risk factors can quietly affect your heart and blood vessels.
While some risks, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, many can be managed. Knowing your personal risk and taking small, steady steps can help lower your chance of heart disease, heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
Banner Health can help you understand your heart health, manage risk factors and get the right care when you need it.
Not all heart disease can be prevented. Some people are born with heart conditions or have risks related to age, family history or other health conditions.
But many of the most common heart disease risk factors can be improved with lifestyle changes, regular screenings and medical care. Prevention means finding and managing problems early, before they lead to more serious heart issues.
Heart disease risk factors are things that make you more likely to develop heart problems. Some are out of your control, but others can be managed with support from your health care team.
Risk factors you cannot control include:
Risk factors you can manage include:
The best way to prevent heart disease is to build habits that support your heart and blood vessels. Small changes can make a difference over time.
Aim for regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling or other movement you enjoy. Exercise helps strengthen your heart, support healthy blood pressure and improve circulation.
Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Try to limit foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, added sugar and sodium.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can damage your arteries and make your heart work harder. Regular checks can help catch high blood pressure early.
Too much LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. Your provider can help you understand your numbers and whether lifestyle changes or medication may help.
High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. Managing diabetes is an important part of protecting your heart.
Smoking, vaping and other tobacco use can damage blood vessels and raise your risk of heart disease. Drinking too much alcohol can also affect blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Long-term stress may affect sleep, blood pressure and daily habits. Movement, counseling, relaxation techniques and support from others can help.
Some people at higher risk of heart attack or stroke may benefit from low-dose aspirin, but it is not right for everyone. Talk to your doctor before starting aspirin.
Regular screenings can help you and your provider spot problems early. Depending on your age, health history and risk factors, your provider may recommend checking:
Your provider may also recommend additional testing if you have symptoms, a strong family history or other risk factors.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can silently damage your arteries over time. It makes your heart work harder and increases your risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
Because you usually cannot feel high blood pressure, regular screenings are important. If your numbers are high, your provider can help you make a plan to lower them.
Learn more about high blood pressure and your heart health.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol, but too much LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, can cause plaque to build up in your arteries.
Over time, plaque can narrow your arteries and reduce blood flow to your heart. Keeping cholesterol at healthy levels can help lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Learn more about cholesterol management.
People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves over time, including the blood vessels and nerves that support your heart.
Managing diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol can help protect your heart and lower your risk of complications.
Learn more about diabetes and heart health.
You do not need to wait for symptoms to ask about your heart health. Talk to a primary care provider or heart specialist if you:
Seek emergency care right away for chest pain, trouble breathing, pain that spreads to your arm, back, neck or jaw, sudden weakness, fainting or symptoms that feel severe or unusual.
Heart disease prevention starts with understanding your personal risk. Banner Health providers can help you review your health history, check important numbers and build a plan that supports your heart health.
Your care may include help with blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, lifestyle changes, medications or advanced testing when needed. If you need specialized care, Banner Health heart specialists can help diagnose and treat a wide range of heart and vascular conditions.
Heart disease prevention is not about one big change. It is about knowing your risk, getting regular care and making choices that support your heart over time.
Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health primary care provider or heart specialist to learn more about your heart disease risk and next steps.
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