What's Your Risk for Heart Disease

Although there are certain uncontrollable factors, such as age, gender and family medical history, that can increase your risk of heart disease, there are many more factors that are within your control. Review the following chart to find out how these factors can contribute to heart disease and how you can actively prevent them.

FactorWhyPrevention
High Blood CholesterolCan contribute to a build-up of plaque on artery walls, which increases your risk of heart disease.Exercise daily for 30 minutes, eat a healthy low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol and high-fiber diet, get your cholesterol checked regularly by your doctor and try eating foods containing a concentrated amount of plant sterols, like new Promise activ™ SuperShots™ ***.
High Blood PressureIs one of the greatest contributors to heart disease because it puts extra strain on the heart.As high blood pressure has no symptoms, get your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor, and be sure to understand what the readings mean.
*SmokingIncreases the rate at which plaque builds up on artery walls and can also increase your blood pressure.Discuss smoking cessation options with your doctor.
**Physical ActivityExercise helps your heart become stronger so it can pump blood around your body with less effort. It can also help reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure.You should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
Being OverweightPuts excess strain on your heart, raises blood cholesterol and blood pressure and can increase the likelihood of diabetes.Consult your doctor or dietitian to learn how to make necessary changes to your diet to keep your weight under control.
StressScientists have linked high levels of stress to the risk of heart disease.Boost your energy and reduce stress by participating in physical exercise and stress reduction activities.


*Information was taken from the Center for Disease Control tobacco fact sheet.
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/factsheets/
HealthEffectsofCigaretteSmoking_Factsheet.htm

**Ask your doctor before engaging in strenuous physical activity

*** Enjoy Promise activ™ SuperShots™ at least once a day with meals.



HEART HEALTH GUIDE ARTICLES
• How Your Heart Works
• What's Your Risk for Heart Disease
• Seven Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle
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• Is Stress Making You Sick?
• Effortless Exercise

Promise® SuperShots® for cholesterol and Spreads
Foods containing at least 0.4g per serving of plant sterols eaten twice a day with meals for a total daily intake of at least 0.8 g, as part of a low saturated fat, low trans fat and low cholesterol diet, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of Promise® SuperShots® provides 2.0g plant sterols. A serving of Promise activ® Spreads provides 1.0g plant sterols.

Promise® SuperShots® for blood pressure is a good source of potassium and low in sodium. Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke

Promise® Buttery Spreads
Promise® Buttery Spread can help maintain a healthy heart when eaten instead of butter or margarine, as part of a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Promise® Buttery Spread contains 8g total fat and 1.5g saturated fat per serving. It can be used in the preparation of heart healthy recipes when substituted for butter or margarine.

The Promise® website is intended to provide general information for healthy people. If you have heart disease or related conditions, (such as diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure) or if you have questions about your heart health or your health in general, please see your doctor.