Every single day 2,200 people die from heart disease in the United States.

Someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds.

What's most surprising about this is that half of those who have a heart attack or stroke have normal cholesterol levels. Obviously, this means that elevated cholesterol levels are not the only warning sign that you're at risk for a heart attack or stroke. It is certainly the most well-known risk factor, but there are many other variables at play that can put you at risk for heart attack or stroke.

As the leading causes of death in the nation, heart disease and stroke are often known as silent killers, because they don't produce visible symptoms or warning signs. However, there are known risk factors that can be tested for, or evaluated by an experienced doctor. In fact, according to the CDC, more people under the age of 65 are dying from preventable heart disease and stroke than those over the age of 65.

Here's a look at other risks for heart attack or stroke, which Southern California men and women need to know about in an effort to reduce their likelihood of suffering from one of these largely preventable health crises.

• Inflammation in your Arteries
  Inflammation is tied to cholesterol, in that cholesterol causes inflammation. However, the amount of cholesterol necessary to inflame the linings of your arteries is going to vary from individual to individual. Inflammation marker testing including ADMA/SDMA and Microalbumin, F2IsoPs, OxLDL, hsCRP, Lp-PLA2, and Myeloperoxidase measurements can provide you and your physician with a better indication of your overall risk.
  
  
• Age
  For men, the risk of heart attack or stroke increased after the age of 45. For women, the risk increases after the age of 55.
  
  
• High Blood Pressure/Hypertension
  Blood pressure should ideally be less than 120/80. High blood pressure puts you at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and heart attack. It is important to reduce and regulate high blood pressure to prevent cardiovascular disease.
  
  
• Lack of Exercise
  If you spend all day in a chair, it is critical that you get exercise during your off-hours. Those with a sedentary lifestyle are at much greater risk for heart attack and stroke
  
  
• Weight
  Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for heart attack or stroke. Even losing 5-10% of your body weight will reduce your risk.
  
  
• Family History
  If your family members have had any form of cardiovascular disease at a young age, you are at greater risk for heart attack or stroke
  
  
• Smoking
  Smoking is terrible for you. The minute you stop smoking cigarettes, your risk for heart attack or stroke is decreased, along with reducing your risk for cancer COPD, and a whole host of other medical conditions.
  
  
• Diabetes
  If you have diabetes you are at greater risk for heart attack or stroke. It is critical that diabetes is controlled, and your blood sugar levels are always monitored.
  
  
• Calcium in Coronary Arteries
  Calcium found within the coronary arteries is indicative of cardiovascular disease. The early detection of its presence through advanced testing allows Los Angeles area patients to take immediate measures now to halt progression of cardiovascular disease, which can preclude a heart attack or stroke.
  
  

The Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of California, based in Woodland Hills focuses on spreading awareness to patients about their heart health and risk of heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, learning your risk through identifying risk factors such as inflammation is available via advanced testing. These preventative tests can provide a bigger picture of your heart health and can be used to prevent an acute heart attack or stroke from occurring in the future. The Heart Attack and stroke Prevention Center of California is proud to offer these innovative blood and urine tests.

To schedule a consultation contact us today at 818.346.1440

Dr. Allan Kurtz specializes in creating ideal health and longevity plans for patients of all ages. Fellowship trained in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Dr. Kurtz is also a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and The Institute for Functional Medicine. The California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine and the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern California was founded in Woodland Hills, CA to aid patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area in restoring and maintaining optimal health for the long term.