Risk factors are characteristics that can increase your chance of heart disease.
Some risk factors cannot be changed.
- Age
The incidence of heart disease increases with age. The majority of deaths from heart disease occurs in people age 65 and older.
- Gender
Although males are more prone to heart disease and at a younger age, after menopause, the risk increases in females.
- Family history
A father or brother diagnosed before age 55, or a mother or sister diagnosed before age 65, increases a person’s risk.
- Race
Due to higher frequency of hypertension and diabetes, blacks are more likely to have heart disease.
Other risk factors can be controlled through screening, medicine, and lifestyle changes.
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity, particularly a large waist
- Inactivity or lack of exercise
- Cigarette smoking
- Stress and anger
