Coronary  Artery Disease Risk Factors

The exact causes of heart disease are unknown; however, certain risk factors have been identified. A risk factor is a condition or habit that will increase a person’s chance of having a heart attack.Some risk factors can be modified, treated or controlled, and some cannot. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance of developing coronary heart disease. By identifying these factors and taking active steps to reduce the number and/or severity, you help lower the risk of developing or worsening coronary artery disease.

Known risk factors for heart disease:

  • Age (males 45 or older, females 55 or older)
  •  Family history of coronary heart disease 
  • Smoking/nicotine use of any kind /alcohol use 
  • High blood pressure (140/90 or higher)
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Lack of regular exercise
  • Overweight (10 to 20 pounds or more)
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Stressful  lifestyleWaist
  • Waist circumference > 40 inches for males; > 35 inches for females 

Risk factors that CANNOT be changed:

Age: About four out of five people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 years ofage or older. 

Gender: Men have a greater risk of having a heart attack at a younger age than women do. The risk of heart disease increases with women after menopause.

Heredity and Race: You are at greater risk for heart disease if your grandparents, parents or siblings have heart disease

Modifying risk factors 

It is a challenge, and is most successful when you have a plan.Include family and friends for support and to help you stay on track.

Major risk factors you CAN change:

  • Smoking: Smokers have more than twice the risk of having a heart attack and developing coronary heart disease than non-smokers, and are more likely to die from a heart attack than non-smokers. Constant exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of coronary heart disease for non-smokers.
  • High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure puts more stress on the linings of the arteries and forces the heart to work harder. This causes the heart to enlarge and weaken over time.
  • High Cholesterol: As your blood cholesterol levels increase so does your risk for coronary heart disease. The risk increases even more when other risk factors like high blood pressure and/or use of tobacco are present. Your cholesterol level is affected by heredity, age, gender, diet and lack of regular exercise. Lowering your blood cholesterol level can decrease the risk of heart attack.
  • Physical Inactivity: Regular exercise is important in preventing coronary heart disease. Even moderate exercise, like walking, is beneficial if done regularly and long term. Exercise can help control other risk factors, such as high blood cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and stress. Exercise can also help lower blood pressure in some people.
  • Obesity and Overweight: Excess weight increases strain on the heart, raises blood pressure, increases blood cholesterol levels and increases the risk of developing diabetes. People who are overweight are more likely to suffer a stroke or develop coronary artery disease. By losing just 10 to 20 pounds, the risk of heart diseaseis lowered.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes greatly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Uncontrolled blood sugar (glucose) levels seriously increase the risk. Even when glucose levels are under control, diabetes still greatly increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease. About two-thirds of people with diabetes die from some form of cardiovascular disease. If you have diabetes, it is extremely important that you work with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes and control any other risk factors you may have.
  • Stress: Some scientists have noted a relationship between coronary artery disease and excess, unmanaged stress. Stress may affect other established risk factors. For example, people under stress may overeat, start smoking or smoke more than usual