A heart attack is a medical emergency where the blood supply to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle and lead to serious complications.

In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It’s important to understand the warning signs of a heart attack and what factors can increase your risk. Two warning signs that can increase your risk of a heart attack by 40% are high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high.

Over time, hypertension can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.

According to the American Heart Association, a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered high. However, a diagnosis of hypertension usually requires multiple readings taken on separate occasions.

Some risk factors for hypertension include:.

Age
Family history
Being overweight or obese
Smoking
Being physically inactive
Stress

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising more, and reducing your intake of sodium and alcohol. In some cases, medication may be necessary to lower your blood pressure.

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. While your body needs some cholesterol to function properly, having too much can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is often called “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is often called “good” cholesterol.

High levels of LDL can increase your risk of heart disease, while high levels of HDL can help protect against it.

A cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel, measures your levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (another type of fat found in your blood).

Some risk factors for high cholesterol include:.

Family history
Being overweight or obese
Being physically inactive
Smoking
A diet high in saturated and trans fats

If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising more, and quitting smoking. In some cases, medication may be necessary to lower your cholesterol.

Conclusion

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two warning signs that can increase your risk of heart attack by 40%. It’s important to understand the risks associated with these conditions and take steps to manage them.

This may include lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet, as well as medication.

If you’re concerned about your risk of heart attack, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand your individual risk factors and develop a plan to manage them.