Heart attack

Medical expert videos

Dr. Michael Davidson talks about genetic tests and heart attacks

Risk factors

Studies of large populations over several decades have revealed a number of risk factors for CHD and heart attacks. Some of these risk factors cannot be modified (age, gender, and family history) whereas others can.

Modifiable risk factors for heart attacks and CHD include:

• Abnormal cholesterol levels (high total cholesterol and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and low HDL (the “good” cholesterol)).
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Obesity, especially abdominal obesity
• Diabetes mellitus
• Physical inactivity or lack of exercise

• Age:The risk of heart attack increases with increasing age. The average age of first heart attack is 65.8 years for men and 70.4 years for women in the United States.
• Gender: Men are at a higher risk than women.
• Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups have increased risk of known contributors to CHD. For example, African Americans have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, a recognized risk factor.
• Genetics: Family history is one of the major risk factors for heart attacks and CHD and a few common genetic variants have been found that are associated with increased risk.

Prevention and treatment

Even though age, gender, and family history are risk factors for heart attacks and CHD that cannot be modified, the risk for developing CHD and eventually a heart attack can be reduced by adopting a healthier lifestyle that includes physical activity, a healthy diet, and no smoking.

An important part of preventing a CHD and heart attack is to assess overall risk of the disease and discuss risk factors with a doctor who can recommend the appropriate screening tests, lifestyle changes, or medications relevant to the overall risk profile. Management of risk factors such as high blood pressure, blood sugar levels, weight, and abnormal cholesterol levels is very important. There are several medications available that can help achieve healthier levels of these risk factors. Your doctor may suggest a low-fat diet, a weight loss program if you are overweight, and exercise, before prescribing any medication.

If atherosclerotic disease is starting to interfere with coronary artery blood flow, or has already caused a heart attack, there are several options for treatment, including lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical procedures.

More information

You can find out more information about heart attacks and atherosclerosis by talking with your doctor and visiting these Web sites:

• American Heart Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia
• Wikipedia Article on Myocardial Infarction
• Wikipedia Article on Atherosclerosis
• Wikipedia Article on Coronary Heart Disease

This content was last reviewed on February 11, 2010.