Risk Factors I Can Change

Cigarette and tobacco smoke
A smoker's risk of heart attack is more than twice that of a nonsmoker. Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for sudden cardiac death: smokers have two to four times the risk of nonsmokers. Smokers who have a heart attack are more likely to die and die suddenly (within an hour) than are nonsmokers. Available evidence also indicates that chronic exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke, passive smoking) may increase the risk of heart disease.
Smoking is a woman's single biggest risk factor for heart attack

High blood cholesterol levels
The risk of coronary heart disease rises as blood cholesterol levels increase. When other risk factors (such as high blood pressure and cigarette smoke) are present, this risk increases even more. A person's cholesterol level is also affected by age, sex, heredity and diet.
Women need to take the initiative for themselves and for their family
Healthier eating for a healthier heart

High blood pressure
High blood pressure increases the heart's workload, causing the heart to enlarge and weaken over time. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure. When high blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times.
High blood pressure is an "equal opportunity" problem

Physical inactivity
Lack of physical activity is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity plays a significant role in preventing heart and blood vessel disease. Even modest levels of low-intensity physical activity are beneficial if done regularly and long term. Physical activity can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity as well as help to lower blood pressure in some people.
Want to overcome the risk? Get moving!

Obesity and overweight
People who have excess body fat are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. Obesity is unhealthy because excess weight increases the strain on the heart. It's directly linked with coronary heart disease because it influences blood pressure, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and makes diabetes more likely to develop. If you can lose as little as 10 to 20 pounds, you can help lower your heart disease risk.
Obesity and overweight
Healthier eating for a healthier heart

Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes seriously increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Even when glucose levels are under control, diabetes seriously increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. More than 80 percent of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. If you have diabetes, it's critically important for you to monitor and control any other risk factors you can.
Diabetes creates higher risk for women with coronary artery disease