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Risk factors for coronary artery disease
The risk factors for coronary artery disease are the same as for heart disease. Some risk factors can't be controlled, such as age, gender and family history.
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Risk factors beyond your control |
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| Age | |
The risk is higher for men age 45 or older, or women age 55 or older. |
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| Gender | |
Middle-aged men have more heart attacks than women of the same age. This changes after menopause. After age 60, when a woman's estrogen level decreases, the rates are almost equal between both sexes. Hormone replacement therapy is controversial for women with heart disease, so discuss this with your health care provider. |
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| Family history of heart disease | |
The risk is higher if your mother or sister was diagnosed with heart disease before age 65, or your father or brother was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55. |
Risk factors for women
Risk factors you can control
By reducing your risk factors, you are taking steps toward a healthier life and decreasing your chance of developing heart disease. If you already have heart disease, controlling these risk factors can lessen the chances of further heart damage. Your medical history and test results help determine the best goals for you. Work with your doctor to help develop a plan that best meets your needs.
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Risk factors you can control |
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| Excess weight or obesity | |
By itself, obesity increases your risk for coronary artery disease. Obesity also contributes to other risk factors, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. Losing as little as 10 pounds may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Use the body mass index (BMI) calculator to determine if your weight is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. A BMI of 24 or higher may put you at risk. Taking control of your diet can help decrease your risk of heart disease. See more on heart-healthy cooking, diet or bariatric surgery. |
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| Physical activity | |
Sedentary people are much more likely to develop coronary artery disease than those who are more active. Conversely, the higher the activity level, the lower the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Even moderate physical activity can decrease your risk. Exercise is an important factor in managing hypertension or blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and blood cholesterol. See more information about activity and supervised exercise programs. |
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| Diabetes | |
People with diabetes are very susceptible to coronary artery disease. It is especially important for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. For more information about diabetes management, visit parknicollet.com/diabetes or call 952-993-3393. |
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| Stress | |
Stress is a normal part of everyone's life. It is not stress that increases your risk for coronary artery disease, but how you cope with it. Learn ways to reduce stress or take a relaxation class. |
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| High blood pressure | |
High blood pressure damages the artery wall, setting the stage for plaque formation, which can lead to narrowed arteries. It also increases stress on the heart muscle, which over time can cause damage. Have your blood pressure checked regularly as recommended by your doctor, or check it yourself with a home blood pressure monitor. |
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| High blood cholesterol and high triglycerides | |
Most heart disease is the result of buildup of deposits or plaques in the blood vessels. The plaques consist of cholesterol, fats, calcium and fibrous tissue. The plaques can narrow the vessels that supply blood to your heart. There are two sources of cholesterol: the cholesterol your body makes and the cholesterol you get from the foods you eat. Managing cholesterol education |
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| Tobacco use | |
Tobacco use lowers your level of good cholesterol, raises your blood pressure and promotes clotting. Even one or two cigarettes a day is harmful. To help you quit smoking, Park Nicollet offers face-to-face counseling services with a tobacco treatment specialist at six locations. Find out more about QUITPLAN. |
- Plaque
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HIgh blood pressure (hypertension)
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