What Are the Risk Factors ?

Non – Modifiable Risk Factors :

Family History : If one or more members of your family (parent, sister or brother) have a history of Coronary Artery Disease – your chances of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) are increased.

 

Age : A s age increases so does the overall risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

 

Gender : Men have a greater risk of heart attack then women do, and they have attacks earlier in life.

 

Race : Asian seem to have a high risk of coronary artery disease and this is partly due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.

Modifiable Risk Factors:

Smoking: smokers’ risk of developing coronary heart disease is 2-4 times that of nonsmokers. Exposure to other people’s smoke increases the risk of heart disease even for non-smokers.

 

Blood cholesterol: As blood cholesterol rises, so does risk of coronary heart disease. A person’s cholesterol level is also affected by age, sex. Heredity and diet.

 

High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure increases, the heart’s workload, causing the heart to thicken and become stiffer. It also increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure. When high blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times.

 

Physical inactivity : An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Regular, moderate to vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. Exercise can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, as well as help lower blood pressure in some people.

 

Obesity and overweight : People who have excess body fat especially if a lot of it is at the waist – are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors.

 

Diabetes mellitus : Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you have diabetes, it’s extremely important to work with your healthcare provider to manage it and control any other risk factors you can.

 

Stress :Individual response to stress may be a contributing factor. Some scientists have noted a relationship between coronary heart disease risk and styress in a person’s life.

Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure, cause heart failure and lead to stroke.