Commonly Ignored Heart Attack Symptoms

Major Heart Attack Risk Factors

Age. Like many serious conditions, including cancer, the risk of heart attack increases with age. Men who are over 45 and women who are over 55 are much more likely to experience a heart attack than their younger peers.
Tobacco. Firsthand and secondhand smoke exposure can cause damage along the walls of your arteries. These damaged areas allow for substances in the blood, such as cholesterol, to build up. Over time, this buildup can slow blood flow and increase the risk of developing a blood clot.
High Blood Pressure. Chronically high blood pressure can put strain on the arteries and eventually lead to damage. This process can speed the buildup of plaque along the walls of the arteries.
High Cholesterol. Cholesterol makes up a substantial portion of plaque deposits in the cardiovascular system. Not all cholesterol is bad though: a high level of LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol or triglycerides can increase your risk of heart attack. In contrast however, a high level of HDL (“good”) cholesterol reduces your risk of heart attack as it helps to remove excess “bad” cholesterol.
Diabetes. Having diabetes, even if the condition is well managed, raises the risk of stroke and heart attack. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is also strongly associated with other heart attack risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
Obesity. Excessive weight has been connected to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack largely because it is linked with high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Research suggests that losing just 10 percent of your body weight (if you are overweight) can lower your risk of heart attack.