Cheesecake, McDonalds, Marlboro Man hurt your heart

Youngstown State University freshman Janetta Patterson faced heart disease at an early age. At twenty-three, Patterson was diagnosed with hypertension. Her doctor warned her that if she didn't exercise and eat healthier, there would be serious consequences."My doctor told me I wouldn't live to be twenty-nine," Patterson said.

Patterson listened to her doctor and lost 120 pounds. Today, she is constantly aware of making healthy choices.

"I really have to be disciplined," she said.

According to the YSU department of health and human services, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, and coronary heart disease kills more than 7 million people worldwide.

Yet many college students are unaware of the risks of heart disease. A study published in the Journal of Community Health found that college students may be putting themselves at risk by ignoring the threat of heart disease.

More than 1,400 students at Arizona State University were surveyed in the study that found that most were not well-informed about heart disease. Also, many students were not aware that combining risk factors such as oral contraceptives and cigarettes causes a greater chance in developing heart disease.

Dr. Richard Josephson, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Heart and Vascular Center of Case Western Reserve, said that family history, age and gender play a large role in developing heart disease, but there are some behaviors young adults engage in that will increase their risk.

"You can't change age, family history, or gender, but you can take some control," he said.

Josephson said that excessive drinking of alcohol and smoking are among these risk factors.

Even secondhand smoke is a risk. According to Josephson, dramatic decreases in cardiovascular disease are seen in places that have banned smoking.

In addition, a poor diet and lack of physical activity increases the risk of heart disease Josephson said.

"Most educated people should already know this," he said.

Even so, Josephson noted that is hard to follow these practices when dealing with real-life temptations.

"Factors such as cheesecake, McDonalds, and the Marlboro Man are out there," Josephson said.

The American Heart Association corroborated with Josephson's statement. According to studies, in industrialized countries such as the United States, people are more likely to be inactive and to take in more calories than needed. As a result, there are increased amounts of people who are obese or very fat and there are people who are developing diabetes at younger ages.

If these circumstances begin during childhood, they are more than likely to carry on into the adult years. A small increase in blood pressure can raise the risk of developing heart disease even when young.

Senior Brian Montgomery wasn't aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and admitted that he never thought about it. Even so, he feels that young adults should be aware of risks.

"As you get older, your body changes," Montgomery said.