What Targets Should I Aim For With Risk Factors I Am Able To Control?

Dr. Hutter answers the question: 'What Can I Do To Control My Risk?'

ByABC News
November 7, 2008, 1:27 PM

— -- Question: I Can't Do Anything About Being A Man Or Being Older Or Having A Family History Of Heart Disease, But What Targets Should I Aim For With Risk Factors I Am Able To Control?

Answer: The risk factors that you yourself can control are your weight -- you don't want to be obese -- your exercise -- you want to be physically active -- and smoking -- you certainly don't want to smoke.

The risk factors that you and your doctor can control are blood pressure -- if it's high -- controlling the high sugar, and controlling the high cholesterol, and the bad cholesterol, the LDL cholesterol.

Next: How Does Risk Change With Age?

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