Heart Healthy Living for Women - UW Health

Causes of high blood pressureo ageo family historyo race (African Americans)o obesityo stresso dieto inactivityo diabeteso kidney diseaseYou could have high blood pressure, have no symptoms and feel fine. Long before high bloodpressure is noticed it can damage vital organs in your body. High blood pressure may lead toserious health problems. Having high blood pressure and atherosclerosis increases your risk forheart disease and stroke.Weight – being overweight increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. It can increase bloodpressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Excess weight can also increase your risk fordiabetes. Losing as little as 10-20 pounds, can help to decrease your risk for heart disease orother chronic diseases. Ask your doctor to help you set a good eating and exercise plan. It maybe helpful to meet with a nutritionist and an exercise physiologist. Talk to your doctor abouthow to lose excess weight. Your body mass index (BMI) is one of the best ways to know if youare overweight. Your waist size can also be used. You are overweight if your BMI is between25.0-29.9. You are obese if your BMI is greater than 30.0.Body Mass Index (BMI)MaleFemale21 – 25 Normal risk 21 – 25 Normal riskgreater than 25 Increased riskgreater than 25 Increased riskfor diseasefor diseaseWaist Measurement:This is also used to determine risk.Malegreater than 40 inches increased riskfor heart disease and diabetesFemalegreater than 35 inches increased riskfor heart disease and diabetes (forAsian Americans greater than 31inches there is increased risk.)5