RISK FACTOR OF I.H.

D
-Modifiable NON

Age: Four out of five patients with coronary artery disease are 65 years of age or older.

Gender: Males are at higher risk of myocardial infarction than women, and males are also
more likely to suffer myocardial infarction earlier in life.

Family history/race: A family history of heart disease increases the risk of coronary artery
disease and myocardial infarction.

-Modifiable

Smoking: Cigarette smokers are twice as likely to experience myocardial infarction compared
to non-smokers. Smokers also have a two to four time higher risk of sudden cardiac death (within an
hour of a heart attack).

High blood pressure (hypertension): Alone or in association with obesity, smoking, high
blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, high blood pressure increases the risk of myocardial infarction
and stroke.

High blood cholesterol: High total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) levels and
low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of myocardial infarction Cholesterol levels can be
lowered with dietary/lifestyle modifications such as exercise or medications.

Obesity: Obesity increases coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke risk.
Obesity increases strain on the heart, raises blood pressure and cholesterol, and increases diabetes
risk. Weight reduction can be achieved with modifications to diet and increased physical activity.

Diabetes: Approximately two-thirds of patients with diabetes die from heart or blood vessel
disease. Adults with diabetes are three to seven times more likely to develop heart disease.

Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise reduces the risk of coronary artery disease and
myocardial infarction by controlling blood cholesterol levels, decreasing the risk of obesity or
diabetes, and lowering blood pressure levels in some patients.

Stress: Research indicates a possible relationship between stress and coronary artery
disease, which may lead to myocardial infarction Hypertension (high blood pressure) and high
cholesterol are associated with stress, as are increased tendencies to smoke, gain weight and/or
decrease physical activity.