CAD Risks

Certain conditions and or habits called as risk factors may increase the chances of coronary heart disease. The chance of coronary heart disease increases with the number of risk factors that one have.

Risk factors of coronary heart disease

Most of the risk factors of coronary heart disease can be prevented or at slowed.

• High cholesterol levels – particularly high LDL bad cholesterol and low HDL good cholesterol.
• High blood pressure – blood pressure stays at or above 140/90 mmHg over a period of time.
• Smoking – Smoking is considered to rises cholesterol, blood pressure, damage blood vessel and reduces oxygen to the body's tissues.
• Diabetes (Insulin resistance) – Long term of high blood glucose can affect nerves and blood vessels.
• Overweight or obesity – means extra fat in the body increases the risk of metabolic syndrome that in turn multiplies the risk factor.  
• Low or no physical activity - can worsen other coronary heart disease risk factors.
• Age – aging increase the risk. In men, the risk increases after 45 years and in women, the risk increases after 55 years (mostly after menopause).
• Genetic – If family history of early heart disease. Father or a brother diagnosed with heart disease before age 55, or mother or a sister diagnosed with heart disease before age 65.
• Sleep apnea - breathing obstructed or stopped or very shallow while sleeping. If untreated can develop high pressure, diabetes, and even a heart attack or stroke.
• Stress – studies shows stress particularly anger is reported to trigger a heart attack.
• Alcohol – drinking too much can damage the heart muscle and worsen other risk factors for coronary heart disease. Men should have not drinks more than two/day and women one/day.

Therapeutic lifestyle changes and if needed taking medicines to treat other risk factors can often prevent or at-least lessen coronary heart disease from developing.

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