As a family practice doctor and lipid specialist, I have seen many patients who are confused about heart disease risks, and the factors that contribute to other diseases as well.

We know that approximately 1 million people suffer from a heart attack each year. One third of those people don’t survive the attack, and nearly half of those people never have chest pain or any cardiac event such as bypass surgery or angioplasty. Their only warning signs were the heart attack itself.

Oddly enough, the same risk factors for heart disease are also risk factors for diabetes, stroke and cancer.

In our office, we use a 5-factor process to evaluate patients’ risk factors for these diseases. If they exceed three out of five, we consider them “high risk” and put together an individualized plan to reduce these risks. Below are the factors we measure:

• Waist Circumference:  Males with a waist size greater than 40 inches, or Females with a waist size greater than 35 inches. This is NOT the belt size, but an actual measurement of the widest part of the waist around the belly.
• Triglycerides:  Cholesterol Triglyceride levels over 150.
• HDL (Good Cholesterol):  For males, less than 40, and females less than 50.
• Blood Pressure:  Systolic Levels (top number) over 130, or Diastolic (bottom number) over 100.
• Blood Sugar:  A fasting blood sugar at or over 100. (Although less than 100 is acceptable, 87 or less is a much more acceptable goal).

Fat in the belly is the key indicator for all of these factors, and losing weight could have the single largest impact on reducing risk of disease. Although regular exercise and a healthy diet is important, it is even more important to be at your ideal weight.  2/3 of Americans are considered “overweight” with a body mass index (BMI) of over 25, and 1/3 of all Americans are considered “obese” with a BMI of over 30. The problem is prevalent in our culture, but can be reversed.

So what can you do to determine if you are at risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer?

You probably have a good sense of whether or not you have a family history of these diseases. Measuring your waist circumference is easy, and you may have already had a recent cholesterol screening, and blood pressure test, but a thorough physical from your doctor’s office would be a great idea for the new year. Some physician offices might evaluate the five key factors we mentioned, but some may not. Many routine physicals include blood pressure, height and weight, but be sure to ask for a cholesterol screening, fasting blood sugar test, and measurements of your waist and body mass index (BMI) at a minimum.

Once patients have been evaluated, we consult with them about their lifestyle, and the most effective way to help them improve these key health factors. Losing weight is the most common and effective strategy. In our office, we offer physician-supervised weight loss programs. Some patients require medication, changes in diet, exercise, stress reduction, or a combination of those strategies.

This new year, make it your resolution to lose weight for your health (especially belly fat) and make an appointment with your doctor for a thorough physical for the right health strategies in 2008.