Some risk factors for
coronary artery disease (CAD), such as sex, age, and
family history, cannot be changed. Other risk factors for CAD are related to
lifestyle and can often be changed to some degree. The more risk factors you
have, the greater your risk for developing coronary artery disease.
Risk factors you cannot control
include:
A family history of heart disease. For example,
you might have a first-degree male relative (your father or a brother) who has
or had CAD before age 55 or a first-degree female relative under age 65 with
CAD.
Age. People over 70 years of age are more likely to have
CAD.
Gender. Men have a greater lifetime risk of developing
CAD.
Cigarette smoking.
Smoking is a major risk factor for CAD and also makes other risk factors
worse.
High blood pressure (hypertension).
High blood pressure damages the delicate inner lining of the blood vessels and
increases the heart's workload, which can speed up the development of
atherosclerosis and CAD.
Diabetes. Diabetes is a stronger risk
factor for CAD in women than it is in men.
Weight. Being very
overweight (obese) increases a person's risk for conditions (such as high blood
pressure and diabetes) that are major risk factors for developing CAD. However,
there is controversy over whether obesity by itself is a risk factor for
CAD.
Activity level. Lack of regular exercise may lower HDL
cholesterol and make it harder for dietary changes to lower
LDL.
Personality factors, high stress, and use of birth control
pills.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
