WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – New research releases modifiable risk factors for heart disease, advice on ways to prevent it before it’s too late.

Most people don’t know that they have high blood pressure, diabetes or that they may be overweight or have high cholesterol.

“And then all of a sudden they come in with a heart attack or heart failure. It’s not surprising to me as a cardiologist or most primary care providers, we are trying to prevent this with many basic things.” explains Daniel Krause, DO, Cardiologist with Aspirus Heart Care.

Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the U.S. and it contributes to every 1 out of every 3 deaths. Experts say the biggest thing is trying to control your weight.  

“Being active and knowing what your cardiac risk is. We have many different tools that assess that. A lot of people are just eating too many calories and doing too little. That leads to a lot of bad things down the road.” said Krause.

He tells us it’s important to establish care with a primary doctor.

“You know a lot of these people who we see with a heart attack in their early 50s, 60s, haven’t seen a doctor in 10, 15 years. They really didn’t know and then it’s too late.” explained Krause.

New data from the New England Journal of Medicine analyzed data from more than one and a half million people in 34 countries and found that more than 50% of cardiovascular disease incidents and around 20% of deaths could be attributed to five modifiable risk factors. 

• Body mass index
• Systolic blood pressure
• Non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• Current smoking
• Diabetes

February is heart healthy month and Aspirus Health says a heart-healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of overall wellness.

“Obviously we try to get people to quit smoking.” Krause said.

Also by controlling high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

“I think people can take responsibility for their own health and work on all of those things. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight and it doesn’t have to happen overnight. But you can make certain changes to your diet.” explained Krause.

Experts suggest embracing plant foods and choosing healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil. Watch your sodium intake, moderate portion size to avoid overeating, limit added sugars and stay hydrated!