Do i have cardiovascular/ heart disease?

Am I at risk of a heart attack or heart disease?

• I'm a 19 year old female and I have always being slim, I am abit more 'chunky' looking now I am sort of growing into my figure, because I am small. Anyway I think the main cause to this is since I have left school and 6th form I have had absoluteley no excersise what so ever and eat incredibly unhealthy. The main reason being is that I simply can't afford my local gym any more, and can't afford healthy food. I have to buy the cheap stuff thats full of additives. My mother tells me I am being stupid but she is a horrible person so I just ignore her. If I perhaps start some excersises each day such as going for a small jog, press ups and sit ups extra will I start to improve? I walked fast somewhere today and my heart beat rocketed and it has really frightned me I know this is terribly worded I'm sorry for that but i'm just scared I am at a high risk of heart disease. I will try to stop snacking but it's hard and is very hard to afford healthy meals. I am about 9 and a half stone, and as I said before a 19 year old female I am also on the contreceptive pill Cilest which can increase appitite. Thanks very much for any replies, I'm not hugely fussed about loosing weight or getting skinny at all I just want to know I can achieve a healthy body and that my arteries are not blocked. xx

• Answer:

  You're very well at a risk of heart problems later on, and maybe other medical conditions as well if you don't start taking care of yourself. The gym is indeed expensive :( I don't go either. So what I do to keep in shape is to run/jog outdoors at the local parks or around my neighborhood. You can never go wrong with that. It's fun to have a friend come along and work out with you as well. Healthy foods (especially organic foods) can be pricey, but I'm sure it isn't all that bad buying some veggies and whatnot from the store and cooking homemade meals at home. I'm sure there are other options out there which you can resort to as far as healthy eating goes. With increasing appetites and cravings, start snacking on healthier foods, such as fruits and granola bars. Baby carrots are good too, and string cheese. That heart beat rocketing you felt after walking fast is quite normal I would assume. As you put your body to work, your heart rate will go up. It's normal. It'll feel weird if you have not worked out in ages though, so all your workouts will feel so god darn tiring but that is because you are out of shape. If you keep up with your regular workouts, and keeping your diet in check, you will start to get used to the work and finding it not to be bad at all. It's worth it. Even if you're stick thin, it's still suggested you work out and such. Anyone can be at risk of heart problems if they don't take care of themselves through eating better and/or working out.