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Heart Disease Rick Factors

Posted: May 1, 2009

• Heredity (including race) - Children of parents with heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves. African-Americans have more severe hypertension than Caucasians and consequently, their risk of heart disease is greater.
• Increasing age - About four out of five people who die of a heart attack are over 65. Women who are older than age 55 are at higher risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
• Cigarette/tobacco smoke - A smoker’s risk of heart attack is more than twice that of a nonsmoker.
• High blood cholesterol levels - The risk of coronary artery disease rises as blood cholesterol levels increase. When other risk factors (such as high blood pressure and cigarette smoke) are present, this risk increases even more.
• High blood pressure - High blood pressure increases the heart's workload, causing it to weaken over time. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure.
• Physical inactivity - Even modest levels of low-intensity physical activity are beneficial if done regularly and long term. Exercise can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity as well as help to lower blood pressure.
• Obesity - People with an excessive amount of body fat are more likely to develop heart disease even if they have no other risk factors.
• Stress - Scientists have noted a relationship between coronary heart disease and chronic stress.
• Substance abuse - People with a history of substance abuse, particularly cocaine and alcohol abuse, place themselves at risk for heart disease.
• Other diseases and conditions - For example, having kidney disease or diabetes can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

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