There are a number of major risk factors for coronary heart disease.
A family history of CAD increases the risk for the condition, especially a history of heart disease under the age of 50.4 Other risk factors include carrying excess body fat, not getting enough physical activity, smoking tobacco, and having unhealthy eating habits.4
High blood pressure is another significant risk factor for heart disease.10 This condition happens when the pressure of the blood is too high in a person's arteries and other blood vessels. If left uncontrolled, the pressure can eventually affect the heart and other major organs, including the brain and kidneys. High blood pressure has gained a reputation as a “silent killer,” because it generally doesn't have symptoms. However, checking your blood pressure can help you monitor your levels.10
Cholesterol is a major culprit in CAD. Cholesterol is a type of fat (also known as “lipid”) found in the bloodstream.11 High levels of cholesterol increase the risk for heart disease (heart attack) or stroke. This is because fatty deposits in the blood vessels can build up and block the blood flow to and from the heart.11 Cholesterol comes through the liver, which produces cholesterol to meet the body’s needs, and diet. The most important culprit in the diet are foods high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats and other sources of animal fat.11,12
There are two general classes of cholesterol.10 Non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol, of which low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the most known subtype, is generally called “bad” cholesterol because it can cause plaque buildup in arteries. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, protects against heart disease.10,12
Obesity is another risk factor for CAD. Obesity is linked to higher levels of “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides (the other major type of lipid, or blood fat). Obesity is also linked to lower “good” cholesterol levels.10
Diabetes is also a risk factor for coronary artery disease. People with diabetes have a higher risk of death from heart disease than those without the condition. CAD is the leading cause of death for people with diabetes.13
Tobacco use is another major risk factor for CAD. People are often aware of the link between tobacco use and lung cancer but may not know the link to heart attack.10
Additional risk factors for CAD include genetic profile and ethnicity.10 For American Indians, white and Black Americans, and Alaska Natives, heart disease is the leading cause of death. For Asian Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders, it’s second only to cancer. Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women, and risk grows with increasing age. Still, CAD can develop at any age.9,10