The body mass index BMI uses height and weight to find out whether a person is overweight or obese. A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight. In general, it's linked with higher cholesterol, higher blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Waist circumference also can be a useful tool to measure how much belly fat you have. The risk of heart disease is higher if the waist measurement is greater than:. Even a small weight loss can be good for you. It can lower blood sugar, also called glucose.

And it can cut the risk of type 2 diabetes. Losing even more helps lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. People who don't get enough sleep have a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and depression.

Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. Children usually need more. So make sure you get enough rest. Set a sleep schedule and stick to it. To do that, go to bed and wake up at the same times each day.

Keep your bedroom dark and quiet too, so it's easier to sleep. Talk to a member of your health care team if you feel like you get enough sleep but you're still tired throughout the day.

Ask if you need to be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea. It's a condition that can raise your risk of heart disease. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include loud snoring, stopping breathing for short times during sleep and waking up gasping for air. Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea may involve losing weight if you're overweight.

It also might involve using a device that keeps your airway open while you sleep. This is called a continuous positive airway pressure CPAP device.

Ongoing stress can play a role in higher blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Some people also cope with stress in unhealthy ways. For example, they may overeat, drink or smoke. You can boost your health by finding other ways to manage stress.

Healthy tactics include physical activity, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, yoga and meditation. If stress becomes overwhelming, get a health care checkup. Ongoing stress may be linked with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

These conditions also are tied to heart disease risk factors, including higher blood pressure and less blow flow to the heart.

If you think you might have depression or anxiety, it's important to get treatment. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage the heart and blood vessels. But if you don't get checked for these conditions, you likely won't know whether you have them. Regular screening tests can tell you what your numbers are and whether you need to take action.

Blood pressure. Regular blood pressure screenings usually start in childhood. Starting at age 18, blood pressure should be measured at least once every two years. This checks for high blood pressure as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. If you're between 18 and 39 and have risk factors for high blood pressure, you'll likely be screened once a year.

People age 40 and older also are given a blood pressure test yearly. If you have a condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, talk with your health care team. Your doctor may prescribe medicines and recommend lifestyle changes.

Make sure to take your medicines exactly as prescribed, and follow a healthy-lifestyle plan. Certain infections may lead to heart problems. For instance, gum disease may be a risk factor for heart and blood vessel diseases. So brush and floss daily. Get regular dental checkups too.

Other illnesses caused by infections can make existing heart problems worse. Vaccines help protect against infectious diseases. So stay up to date on the following shots:. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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Show references Know your risk for heart disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed May 15, Heart disease facts.

Hennekens CH. Overview of primary prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke. How to prevent heart disease at any age. American Heart Association. Heart-healthy lifestyle changes. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Smokeless tobacco: Health effects. How smoking affects heart health. Food and Drug Administration. Benefits of quitting. American Lung Association. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Department of Health and Human Services.

How does sleep affect your heart health? Sleep apnea. Screening, immunization, and prevention child. Mayo Clinic; Screening, immunization, and prevention adult.

Outreach Facilitators work with primary care practices to screen patients at risk for CVD and link them to CardioPrevent. During the year-long program, CardioPrevent Health Coaches will guide and support you through a customized program plan that is based on your personal risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

It has given me a healthy future and the knowledge that I needed to know so that I can improve my risk factors and lead a better life. Interested in learning more about CardioPrevent?

Download our Program Brochure or Program Summary. Register Now! For healthcare providers interested in a systematic process to screen and identify at risk individuals and link them to a personalized primary prevention program, visit the CardioPrevent for Healthcare Providers page for more information.

For more information call the Prevention and Wellness Centre at or , we can also be reached via e-mail at cardioprevent ottawaheart.

Jump to navigation. CardioPrevent® is a heart health program that helps people with risk factors lower their chances of developing cardiovascular disease CVD.

The program accepts individuals who are at moderate to high risk for CVD. Participation requires a referral by a physician or nurse practitioner, and results are shared with the referring physician to support the coordination of care. Outreach Facilitators work with primary care practices to screen patients at risk for CVD and link them to CardioPrevent.

During the year-long program, CardioPrevent Health Coaches will guide and support you through a customized program plan that is based on your personal risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

It has given me a healthy future and the knowledge that I needed to know so that I can improve my risk factors and lead a better life.

Interested in learning more about CardioPrevent? The Vancouver General Hospital VGH Centre for Cardiovascular Health created Happy Hearts as community-based programs for people who have or are at risk of heart disease. For more information about the program, contact Nick Pratap, Happy Hearts Coordinator at ext The Champlain Heights Community Centre is located at Maquinna Drive, Vancouver.

Amenities include a youth centre, preschool childcare, indoor cycling, a dance studio, squash and racquetball courts, and a fitness centre with sauna. Outside, there is a tennis court and playground. Kensington Community Centre amenities include a dance studio, pottery studio, indoor pool, fitness centre, gym, playground, and seniors centre.

The centre is located at Dumfries St, Vancouver, BC. The Dunbar Community Centre is located at Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC. Amenities include a fitness centre, dance studio, pottery programs for children, indoor cycling, tennis courts, outdoor sport courts, gymnasium, squash courts, darkroom and playground.

Currently, Champlain Heights Community Centre only offers the Happy Hearts Maintenance program. Find information about our 25 fitness centres; their services, amenities, equipment, costs, location, and more.

We have nine indoor and five outdoor seasonal pools. View their locations, features, and amenities. Skip to content Skip to main navigation Skip to section navigation Skip to search. chat Quote top Quote bottom Online services. Contact Translate Careers Guides Online services.

Site Search:. People and programs. Happy Hearts programs are for people with or at risk of heart disease. Who is Happy Hearts for? People living with heart disease: Heart attack Angina Angioplasty Open heart surgery People at risk of heart disease: Obesity Hypertension Smoking Diabetes High cholesterol Sedentary lifestyle Strong family history of premature coronary artery disease.

Happy Hearts Plus Happy Hearts Plus is a 6-month, medically-supervised program for people with or at risk of heart disease who are ready to make a lifestyle change. Location and cost Dunbar Community Centre and Kensington Community Centre. How to join Happy Hearts Plus Have your doctor complete the 2-page referral form.

Referral forms are also available at Kensington Community Centre and Dunbar Community Centre. Happy Hearts Plus application with physician's referral form KB Fax your referral form to or drop the form off at Kensington Community Centre or Dunbar Community Centre.