WHAT’S YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE?

Understanding the risks

Risk factors are influences that increase the chance of developing heart disease or stroke. Some can be changed, while others can’t. Understanding how they impact you is the first step toward protecting your heart and brain health:

• Medical factors

  include high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), high cholesterol and diabetes. The good news is that these conditions are often manageable and treatable.

• Social and environmental factors

  such as income, where you live and even air quality can influence your risk and the choices available to you.

• Lifestyle factors

  like diet and physical activity play a major role in heart and brain health, too.

• Additional factors

  like genetics, age, sex and ethnicity can’t be changed.

Practical steps to protect your heart and brain health

Despite the range of risk factors for heart disease and stroke, there are practical steps everyone can take for prevention. Focusing on everyday habits is one of the most effective ways to support long-term health. Small, steady changes in many of these areas can have a big impact:

• Eat well.

  Focus on a healthy, balanced diet that focuses on vegetables and fruit, includes protein and whole grains and limits highly processed foods. This can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.

• Move more.

  Staying active is vital. Simple choices like walking or taking the stairs can make a big difference.

• Manage stress.

  Stress strains your heart and raises blood pressure. Identifying triggers and trying calming techniques like deep breathing can help regulate stress.

• Be smoke-free.

  Quitting tobacco greatly lowers your risk and protects those around you. Consider talking to your healthcare provider—help is available when you’re ready.

• Use health resources.

  There are online tools, like the Heart & Stroke Risk Screen, that can help you better understand your risk factors and make more informed health decisions.

Healthy habits can make a real difference, and it’s never too late to start. Learn more about your risk and ways to protect your heart and brain at heartandstroke.ca