Survey Finds Many Americans Unaware of Own Risk for Heart Disease

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CLEVELAND - February is American Heart Month. 

A new Cleveland Clinic survey finds nearly one in four Americans are unsure if they have an increased risk of heart disease. 

However, a majority indicate they have at least one risk factor, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 

“It's actually not that surprising. A lot of these risk factors for heart disease are silent. And sometimes there are things that you may not have thought about, including your family history,” said Ashish Sarraju, MD, cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Sarraju said other risk factors for heart disease include smoking, obesity, poor diet, not getting enough sleep and being sedentary. 

“Sedentary behavior, you’re sitting, not really moving, so it’s not just about are you exercising,” he said.

Interestingly, the survey shows while many Americans say they are more stressed out, get less sleep or have gained weight, they are still taking steps to get healthier. 

40% have improved their diet and 27% are exercising more. 

“Diet and exercise have this encompassing effect. A healthy diet can lead to improved blood pressure, improved cholesterol, it can prevent diabetes and it can help control weight. Regular exercise can help mood. It can help sleep quality,” said Dr. Sarraju. 

He said, based on the survey, more conversations are needed about heart health. 

“These results emphasize the need for public health education and for people to seek out information about their own risk factors and how to tackle them,” he concluded.