Скачать или смотреть Doctors Warn: These 7 Hidden Signs Reveal Heart Trouble a Decade Early

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
The earliest warning sign—often silent. If your blood pressure is over 140/90, your risk for heart attack or stroke increases by more than 200 percent over people with optimal pressure. Even mildly raised pressure (130-139/80-89) increases risk by about 50 percent. Over one billion people worldwide have hypertension, and most do not know it.

High LDL Cholesterol ("Bad" Cholesterol)
LDL cholesterol above 160 milligrams per deciliter more than doubles the risk of heart disease (200 percent increase). The ideal target is under 100, and under 70 for high-risk individuals (diabetes, obesity, strong family history). Around 90 percent of heart attacks and strokes are linked to cholesterol plaque.

Elevated Blood Sugar / Diabetes
Blood sugar above 100 milligrams per deciliter already increases cardiovascular risk. If it goes above 200, your risk of heart failure or heart attack triples (300 percent increase). For people with diabetes, up to 75 percent will eventually die of cardiovascular complications.

Smoking
One cigarette daily increases heart disease risk by about 70 percent; two packs daily, by 400-500 percent. The effect is proven in over 100 studies. Quitting reduces risk gradually, but it can take 10 years to match non-smokers’ risk.

Family History
Having a parent with early heart disease (before age 55) doubles your risk (200 percent), and if both parents were affected, the risk can be as much as 500 percent higher. Genetic predisposition is one of the strongest non-modifiable warning signs.

Obesity and Central (Belly) Fat
A body mass index (BMI) above 25 increases cardiovascular risk by about 40 percent. With BMI above 30 (obese), risk doubles (100 percent higher), and with severe obesity, nearly threefold. Waist circumference: Over 102 centimeters in men or 88 centimeters in women sharply increases risk, independent of BMI.

Chronic Kidney Disease
This triples the risk of cardiovascular disease (200-300 percent higher). Up to 30 percent of those with chronic kidney disease develop cardiovascular disease, mainly due to chronic inflammation, calcium and fat buildup, and fluid retention—all of which damage the heart and blood vessels.

Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
HbA1c above 6.5 percent confirms diabetes and signals a much higher heart risk. Keeping it below 5.7 percent means the lowest risk. Each 1 percent rise above normal increases cardiovascular risk by about 20-30 percent.

Subtle Symptoms: Fatigue, Shortness of Breath, and Swelling
Even mild, persistent fatigue, unexplained shortness of breath, or ankle swelling can be early warning signs—these symptoms are present in 20-40 percent of people who later develop heart failure.

Routine Screening Saves Lives
Regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, and waist circumference—before symptoms appear—can reduce the risk of major heart events by up to 80 percent according to large-scale studies and meta-analyses.Disclaimer:

This information is provided for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor for any questions or concerns you may have about your health.