Know Your Risk

The first step towards keeping your heart healthy is knowing your risk. Some of the major risk factors of heart disease (like age and heredity) are not in your control. Others, however, you can influence with knowledge and a healthy lifestyle. If you have two or more of the factors below, see your doctor to discuss your personal risk.

Risk Factors of Heart Disease

Age: over 50 or passed menopause

Ethnic Background: African-American or Hispanic American

Family History: Parent or sibling had a heart attack or stroke

Personal Medical History: diabetes, heart disease or stroke

Blood Pressure: 140/90 mmHg or higher, or don’t know your pressure

Smoking: smoke or live/work with someone who does

Overweight: 20 pounds or more overweight

Physical Activity: less than 30 minutes of activity per day

Total Cholesterol: 240/mg/dL or higher or don’t know your level

HDL ("good") cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL or don’t know your HDL level

Get your own step-by-step guide to determine your risk for heart disease. Request the Women’s HeartAdvantage kit.