Eastlake Cardiovascular

What are the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease that can't be changed?

Increasing Age
Male Sex (Gender)
Heredity (Including Race)

Controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease:

Smoking
Smokers' risk of developing coronary heart disease is 2–3 times that of nonsmokers.
Smoking increases blood pressure, decreases exercise tolerance, increases the tendency for blood to clot and decreases HDL (good cholesterol). Smoking also increases the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease after bypass surgery. Smoking is one of the main causes of peripheral arterial disease and an important risk factor for stroke. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is a condition that can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems. Blood pressure levels above 120/80 mmHg but below 140/90 is considered prehypertension. A blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure for most adults.
High blood cholesterol
Many people are able to lower their cholesterol levels by eating a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, exercising, and losing weight if needed. Some people will need to take medicines prescribed by their doctor to lower their cholesterol in addition to eating a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, exercising, and losing weight if needed.
Diabetes
Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack or stroke. People with diabetes mellitus are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. You can avoid or delay heart and vascular disease by controlling your other risk factors.
Being overweight or obese
Obesity is mainly caused by taking in more calories than are used up in physical activity and daily life. Obesity is now recognized as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack. But by losing even as few as 10 pounds, you can lower your heart disease risk.
Physical inactivity
The American Heart Association/American College of Sports Medicine guidelines on physical activity recommend a minimum of 5 days per week of moderate intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes.