Museum of Science and Industry

Controllable Risk Factors

Smoking

In addition to causing damage to the lungs, the nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to narrow. This makes blood pressure rise and the heart beat faster. Also, the carbon monoxide in cigarettes reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. For more information on the effects of smoking, check out the American Lung Association website.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure makes the heart work even harder because of the extra strain it places on the arterial walls. Though this condition can't be cured, medication and lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure.

High Blood Cholesterol

A diet high in cholesterol and fat can lead to fatty deposits on the arterial walls. To control your blood cholesterol, eat more fish and poultry and less red meat. Choose low-fat dairy products, and try not to eat more than two eggs per week.

Sedentary Lifestyle and Obesity

The heart, like any other muscle, needs regular exercise. Examples of exercises you can do to condition and strengthen the heart include walking, swimming and bicycling. Extra weight forces the heart to work harder in order to supply blood to the body, and it increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. To control your weight, eat nutritious, well-balanced meals and exercise regularly.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

Age

Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 are at greater risk for coronary artery disease. You can control some of the effects of aging by eating well, exercising and getting regular checkups.

Family History

If either of your parents or any of your grandparents had heart disease, there is a greater chance that you will also develop it. Avoid copying any bad family habits like smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise.

Sex

Men are at a higher risk of having coronary artery disease (CAD) than women. On average, men develop the disease about 10 years earlier than women.

Next: Treatment