Stress Some people who have high levels of stress — or are stressed over a long time — have higher cholesterol and blood pressure. Unhealthy diet Eating a healthy, balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. A healthy diet can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by improving your cholesterol levels, reducing your blood pressure, helping you manage your body weight and controlling your blood sugar. RISK FACTORS FOR CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE THAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL Age and sex Men are more likely to have coronary artery disease at any age. Their risk rises over the age of 55.
Until women reach menopause, they have a lower risk of heart disease than men. After menopause, less estrogen is produced. Hormones such as estrogen have an impact on heart disease and stroke. Heart disease can also present and progress in different ways depending on whether you are male or female. Family history Your risk of coronary artery disease is higher if a close male relative had heart disease before 55 years of age or if a close female relative had heart disease before menopause. Indigenous heritage First Nations, Mйtis and Inuit peoples have a higher risk of coronary artery disease. This is because they are more likely to have high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes.
Both conditions can cause coronary artery disease. Ethnic heritage People of African or South Asian background also have a higher risk of coronary artery disease. This is because they are more likely to have high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes or other risk factors for coronary artery disease at a younger age. Your risk factors The first step in reducing your risk of developing heart disease is finding out your risk factors. Talk to your healthcare team. Together, you can learn what you can do to improve your health. What are your risk factors? List them here: Understanding Your Heart And The Causes Of Heart Disease | 11