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Risk Factors
When it comes to coronary artery disease, there are many risk factors. A few are out of your control, but there are many risk factors that are well in your control. Here is a summary of known risk factors.
Risk Factors Not Within Your Control
- Age
- Gender
- Family history
Risk Factors You Can Control
- Cigarette and tobacco smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Stress
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
| Blood Pressure Guidelines | |
|---|---|
| Normal blood pressure | Less than 120/80 |
| Pre-hypertension blood pressure | 120-139/80-89 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 140-159/90-99 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | Greater than 160/100 |
Participate and Take Control
If you have heart disease, there are healthy choices you can make on a daily basis to help manage your condition. Learn to identify and act on the risk factors you can control for heart disease. For example, as with many disease of the heart, positive lifestyle changes can help prevent serious conditions. Changes you can make to positively affect your heart health include:
- Quitting smoking
- Improved diet rich in healthy, natural foods
- Regular exercise
- Reduced drinking alcohol
- Reducing stress with calming activities (nature walks, meditation, yoga)
