Some risks, you can’t control. Your habits, you often can

(NC) Understanding what you can and can’t control can make a real difference to your health. Not all risks for heart disease and stroke can be controlled, but knowing what’s fixed helps you focus on what you can change. Did you know that about half of your overall risk is inherited? This makes healthy habits even more important for prevention.

Dr. Sara Kirk, a professor of health promotion, says many factors influence our ability to make healthy choices. “We’re living in an often health-disrupting environment with social and structural determinants that can prevent people from being able to make decisions that would improve their health and wellbeing,” she says. “The choices we make are dictated by the choices that we have, and in some cases, there’s not even a choice.”

Understanding your factors is a key first step. There are tools, like the Heart & Stroke Risk Screen, that can help, by showing you where you stand, and where changes can potentially help.

Important risk factors you can’t change

• Genetics and age: Studies show that about half of a person’s overall risk for heart disease is inherited. As we age, the heart and blood vessels naturally change, which increases risk it. Understanding these factors encourages earlier screening for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes — and prompts preventive action.
• Sex: Women and other people who can experience natural or medically induced menopause face distinct risks during reproductive, menopause and post-menopause stages. Conditions such as hypertension and gestational diabetes during pregnancy increase lifetime risk, and after menopause, hormone changes can further raise it.
• Ethnicity: Different communities experience varied levels of risk based on genetic, cultural, environmental and socioeconomic factors. Racism and discrimination add pressures that contribute to depression, anxiety and chronic stress—all of which harm heart and brain health.
• Social and environmental factors: The ability to make healthy choices can be easier for some, and harder for others, depending on many factors, including where you live, your finances and access to healthy choices and resources. Air pollution also affects heart and brain health.

Understanding what can’t be changed helps people focus on meaningful actions — and empowers them to protect their heart and brain health. Healthy habits such as sleep, physical activity, stress management and eating well make a powerful difference, and it’s never too late to start. You can find tips for healthy habits at heartandstroke.ca.