Although nicotine is the main active agent in cigarette smoke, other chemicals and compounds like tar and carbon monoxide are also harmful to your heart in many ways. Physical Inactivity. People who are not active have a greater risk of heart attack than do people who exercise regularly. Exercise burns calories to help maintain a healthy weight, helps to control cholesterol levels and diabetes, and may lower blood pressure.
Exercise also strengthens the heart muscle and makes the arteries more flexible. Those who actively burn to calories per week, either at work or through exercise, can expect to live longer than people who do not exercise. Even moderate-intensity exercise is helpful if done regularly. Overall, men have a higher risk of heart attack than women. But the difference narrows after women reach menopause. After the age of 65, the risk of heart disease is about the same between the sexes when other risk factors are similar.
Cardiovascular diseases affect more women than men and heart attacks are generally more severe in women than in men. Heart disease tends to run in families. For example, if your parents or siblings had a heart or circulatory problem before age 55, then you are at greater risk for heart disease than someone who does not have that family history.
Risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity may also be passed from one generation to another. Some forms of cardiovascular disease are more common among certain racial and ethnic groups.
For example, studies have shown that African Americans have more severe high blood pressure and a greater risk of heart disease than Caucasians. Older age is a risk factor for heart disease.
In fact, about 4 of every 5 deaths due to heart disease occur in people older than As we age, our hearts tend not to work as well. A heart attack can occur at any age. Heart attack prevention is critical. It should begin early in life.
Start with an assessment of your risk factors. Then develop a plan you can follow to maintain a low risk for heart attack. For many people, their first heart attack is disabling or even fatal. Do everything you can to lower your risk. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. Heart Attack. About Heart Attacks. Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Angina Chest Pain.
Diagnosing a Heart Attack. Treatment of a Heart Attack. Life After a Heart Attack. Heart Attack Tools and Resources. Knowledge is power. Understand the risks you face for heart attack. Risk factors fall into three broad categories: Major risk factors — Research has shown that these factors significantly increase the risk of heart and blood vessel cardiovascular disease.
Modifiable risk factors — Some major risk factors can be modified, treated or controlled through medications or lifestyle change. Increasing Age The majority of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older. Male gender Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women do, and men have attacks earlier in life. Heredity including race Children of parents with heart disease are more likely to develop heart disease themselves.
Major risk factors you can modify, treat or control Tobacco smoke The risk that smokers will develop coronary heart disease is much higher than that for nonsmokers. Learn about smoking and cardiovascular disease High blood cholesterol As your blood cholesterol rises, so does your risk of coronary heart disease. However, your LDL number should not be the main factor in guiding treatment to prevent heart attack and stroke, according to the latest guidelines from the American Heart Association.
In addition, patients taking statins no longer need to get LDL cholesterol levels down to a specific target number. Here is what you need to do:. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.
Related Articles. Early Signs of a Heart Attack. Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. The majority of heart attack deaths occur in patients ages 65 and older, but a man's risk begins to increase at 45 for women, it starts at Overall, men have a greater risk of heart attack, but women are more likely to experience subtler heart attack symptoms such as fatigue and nausea - not just chest pain.
Family history can dictate early trouble. See a doctor if your father or brother was 55 or younger when diagnosed with coronary heart disease or 65 for your mother or sister. Lifestyle changes can steady the balance, but you may also need medication. Healthful food is a highly effective weapon against heart disease. Focus on fruits, vegetable and grains - as well as low-fat dairy, poultry and fish.
Limit red meat and sugar. Alcohol can amplify cardiac health risks, raise triglycerides and cause irregular heartbeat. Consume safely by having no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women.
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