More Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Family history of early heart disease
Family history of early heart disease is a risk factor that cannot be changed. If your father or brother had a heart attack before age 55, or if your mother or sister had one before age 65, you are more likely to get heart disease yourself.
While certain risk factors cannot be changed, it is important to realize that you do have control over many others. Regardless of your age, background, or health status, you can lower your risk of heart disease — and it doesn't have to be complicated. Protecting your heart can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, whipping up a good vegetable soup, or getting the support you need to maintain a healthy weight.
Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25
Overweight and obesity together represent the second leading preventable cause of death in the United States. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a BMI of more than 25 is considered overweight and greater than 30 is considered obese. In general, after the age of 50, a man's weight stabilizes and even drops slightly between the ages of 60 and 74. However, a woman's weight continues to increase until age 60 and then begins to drop.
Another measure of obesity is the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The WHR is a measurement tool that looks at the proportion of fat stored on the waist, and hips and buttocks. The waist circumference indicates abdominal fat. A waist circumference over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women may increase the risk for heart disease and other diseases associated with being overweight.
Physical inactivity
Physically inactive people are twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD) as people who do regular physical exercises, according to the Healthy People 2010 report produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Physical inactivity, which is almost as high of a risk factor as cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol, is far more prevalent than any other risk factor.
Personal history of a cardiac event
Most heart attacks and angina (a temporary lack of enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle) are caused by coronary heart disease. You can lower your risk of having a heart attack, even if you have already had a heart attack or are told that your chances of having a heart attack are high.
You will most likely need to make lifestyle changes that include sticking to a doctor-approved exercise program and eating a healthy diet to reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight, and help manage your diabetes, if needed. You may also need to get treatment for conditions that raise your risk.
