Heart Disease RISK FACTORS: Are You Heart Healthy?

ARE YOU AT RISK?

The American Heart Association recommends seeing a healthcare provider for a complete assessment of your cardiovascular health if two or more risks in the following categories apply to you.

Source: American Heart Association

AGE:

You are a man older than 45.

You are a woman older than 55

OR

you are not taking estrogen and have either passed menopause or had your ovaries removed.

FAMILY HISTORY:

Your father or brother had a heart attack before age 55

OR

your mother or sister had one before age 65.

You have a close blood relative who had a stroke.

TOBACCO SMOKE:

You smoke

OR

are near people who smoke every day.

CHOLESTEROL and HDL LEVELS:

Your total cholesterol level is 240 mg/dL or higher.

Your HDL ("good") cholesterol level is less than 35 mg/dL.

You don't know your total cholesterol or HDL levels.

BLOOD PRESSURE:

Your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher

OR

you've been told that your blood pressure is too high.

You don't know what your blood pressure is.

PHYSICAL INACTIVITY:

You get less than a total of 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.

BODY WEIGHT:

You are 20 pounds or more overweight for your height and build.

Click here to find out if your weight puts you at risk

DIABETES:

You have diabetes OR a fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher

OR

you need medicine to control your blood sugar.

MEDICAL HISTORY:

You have coronary heart disease

OR

you've had a heart attack.

You've been told that you have carotid artery disease

OR

you've had a stroke or transient ischemic attack OR you have a disease of the leg arterie