Understand the Risks

Heart disease develops over many years. Each of a number of factors increases your risk for heart disease.

• Smoking: Smoking damages the lining of the blood vessels and raises blood pressure. It is the biggest of all the risk factors you can change.
• High Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fatlike substance in the blood. It can cause fatty deposits called plaque to build up and narrow your blood vessels. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk for heart disease.
• High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure occurs when blood presses too hard against the walls of the blood vessels. This damages the lining of the vessels. Blood pressure over 140/90 raises your risk for heart disease.
• Lack of Exercise: Exercise strengthens your heart. It can also lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and help you control your weight. Inactive people double their risk for heart disease.
• Stress: Stress increases your blood pressure and heart rate. This can damage the lining of the blood vessels and lead to heart disease.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes, your risk for heart disease more than doubles. This is because high blood sugar damages the blood vessels.
• Family History: If a close family member had heart disease before 55, your risk for heart disease may be higher. Your risk is also higher if you're African American.
• Age: Blood vessels narrow and harden with age. The older you are, the greater your risk for heart disease.