Know your risk factors
Some risk factors for heart attacks can be changed; others cannot. It is important to know your risk factors and what you can do to reduce them.
- Age: Men who are 45 or older and women who are 55 or older have an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack.
- Gender: Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women do, although heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women.
- Diabetes: Diabetes, especially in the case of adult-onset or Type 2 diabetes, greatly increases your risk of a heart attack.
- Family history of heart attack: Your risk of a heart attack may be greater if your siblings, parents or grandparents have had heart attacks.
How to reduce your risk of heart attack
- Monitoring or maintaining a healthy:
- Blood cholesterol
- Blood pressure
- Triglyceride level
- Controlling your weight.
- Increasing your level of physical activity.
- Making healthy food choices.
- Not smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or using illegal drugs.
Talk with your doctor about your risk for heart attack and what you can do to reduce your risk. You should consult your physician before changing your diet or exercise plan.
Helpful links
- Life's essential 8 – key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health from the American Heart Association
- 7 tips to reduce your risk for heart disease