- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Age--Risk increases for men older than 45 years and for women older than 55 years (or after menopause). About 83% of people who die from heart disease are 65 years of age or older.
- High cholesterol level
- High blood pressure
- Family history of heart attack
- Race--African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans and native Hawaiians are at greater risk.
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- Obesity
- Sex (Gender)--More men have heart attacks, although heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women.
- Quit smoking. Your doctor can help you. (If you don't smoke, don't start!)
- Eat a healthy diet. Cut back on foods high in saturated fat and sodium (salt) to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. A Mediterranean diet is also a very healthy choice. Ask your doctor about how to improve your diet.
- Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Exercise. It may sound hard if you haven't exercised for a while, but try to work up to 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise (that raises your heart rate) 4 to 6 times a week.
- Lose weight if you're overweight. Your doctor can advise you about the best ways to lose weight.
- Control your blood pressure if you have hypertension.