Understand Your Heart

There are circumstances and lifestyles that can increase the "risk" or probability of developing coronary artery disease. These are called "risk factors". Some of these risk factors cannot be changed, but many can be controlled or modified to reduce the risk and severity of heart problems in the future.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Family History
• Gender
• Older age

Modifiable Risk Factors

• High Cholesterol:
  • Total cholesterol
  • LDL  (bad cholesterol)
  • HDL (good cholesterol))
  • Triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Physical Inactivity
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Stress

Are you at "Risk"?

Answer all of the following questions:

• What risk factors for heart disease do I have?
• Do I understand what these factors are?
• Do I know why they are a risk for me?
• How I can control it?
• What's my target for that risk factor, to ensure that it is under control?

Use the Chart below to help you answer these questions with respect to your risk factors.

• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Physical Inactivity
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Stress