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Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease

The American Heart Association has conducted many clinical trials and studies to determine the risk factors for coronary artery disease. Some are more controllable than others and some are treatable. It is important to know the risk factors and what can be done to modify them to prevent this deadly disease.

  1. Age, Sex and Family History

    • The American Heart Association has identified three factors beyond our control that contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD): age, sex and heredity. As we age, the likelihood of CAD increases. Men are also much more prone to heart problems than women; men tend to have issues earlier in life and are more likely to have heart attacks than women, even after menopause. Genetics are a large part of the uncontrollable risk factors. Family history of heart disease also increases risk.

    Smoking

    • Smoking cigarettes and cigars can cause heart disease. The likelihood of a smoker developing CAD is two to four times greater than that of a nonsmoker. Cigarette smoking can also cause sudden cardiac arrest in those who have already developed the disease. Nonsmokers who live or work in an environment where second-hand smoke is common are at a higher risk for heart problems.

    Non-Active Lifestyle

    • Those who live a sedentary life have a better chance of having heart disease than their physically active counterparts. Doing cardiovascular exercise at least 30 minutes a day five days a week will decrease the tendency for CAD. Cardio includes swimming, jogging, bicycling, walking or any other brisk activity.

    High Cholesterol

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, high cholesterol levels increase the risk of plaque formation in the bloodstream and hardening of the arteries. The ideal total cholesterol levels are 200 mg/dl or less. These people have the lowest risk for coronary heart disease. The borderline levels are between 200 and 239 mg/dl. Those in this category have to be more cautious about their lifestyle, particularly if they have other risk factors. Someone with 240 mg/hl or above has high cholesterol and is at more than twice the risk for CAD than someone with less than 200 mg/dl. The risk of elevated cholesterol levels is directly related to other risk factors as well. For example, this risk is exacerbated when other factors are present such as smoking or living a sedentary lifestyle. A person's cholesterol level is affected by a person's age, sex, family history and diet.

    High Blood Pressure

    • Blood pressure generally ranges in three categories: normal, prehypertension and hypertension. The top number is the systolic reading and the bottom is the diastolic reading. Normal blood pressure is 120/85 mmHg or less. Prehypertension ranges from 120-139 mmHg for the systolic number and 80-89 mmHg for the diastolic number. Those with readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher have hypertension.

      Blood pressure levels are a major factor in CAD. High blood pressure causes arteries to harden and thicken making it difficult for blood to flow easily. It also increases the workload on the heart. The combination of high blood pressure with another risk factor such as smoking or high cholesterol, increases the chance of a heart attack or stroke.

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