ARE YOU AT RISK?
Individuals from some Asian ethnic groups tend to have higher risks for
stroke and coronary heart disease (the most common form of heart disease).
WHY IT MATTERS
Heart disease is a serious, life-threatening illness. More people die of
cardiovascular disease than any other cause. Since many of the signs of
heart disease are not noticeable, many African-Americans do not realize
they already have heart disease—until its too late. Fortunately,
many heart disease risk factors are things YOU can control.
How many of these cardiovascular risk factors do YOU have?
- I am of Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Asian, Korean, or Vietnamese descent.
- I am overweight or obese.
- I do not get enough physical activity.
- I have high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
- I smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products.
- I have a family history of heart disease.
- I am a man over age 45 or a woman over 55.
- I have been diagnosed with heart disease.
FAST FACTS
-
Asian-Americans with heart failure are more likely than whites to have
chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and renal (kidney)
disease, which further increase their risk for heart disease.
-
Asian-Indian men and women, and Filipino men are at greater risk of dying
from coronary heart disease.
-
Nearly one (1) in five (5) Asians and Pacific Islanders have high blood pressure.
- Nearly 10 percent of Asians and Pacific Islanders currently smoke. Smoking
is a very significant risk factor for heart disease.
Your doctor can help you prevent heart disease. Ask your doctor:
- What are my risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and why?
- What screenings or tests are right for ME?
- What actions can I take to decrease MY risk for cardiovascular disease?
- What are MY cardiovascular disease prevention health goals?