Coronary
risk is the likelihood that an individual will contract
a heart-related condition over a given period of time.
There are many genetic and environmental risk factors
that may contribute to heart disease. Genetic risk factors
include those which people are born with, such as age,
gender, family history of heart disease and ethnic background
(to some extent). Environmental risk factors are those
to which people are exposed in the course of everyday
life, including smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke,
dietary habits, fitness and stress.
The
Framingham Heart Disease Epidemiology Study was the first
intensive study of heart disease and its risks and consequences.
It is this study that has helped researchers and medical
professionals focus on specific and practical measures to
help people prevent or control heart-related problems. In
fact, while many Americans may not be familiar with this
study, it has greatly influenced the way we think about
things like fat in our diet and the importance of daily
exercise.
Genetic
risk factors develop because of things that
we are born with or, due to natural occurrences, that
are out of our control. They include Gender. Statistically,
men have a greater chance of developing heart disease
at a younger age. According to the American Heart Association,
men have a 1 in 3 chance of getting heart disease by
age 60. There are some heart-related conditions, however,
for which women are at a high risk, such as
post-menopausal osteoporsis.
Advanced
age. The risk of heart disease increases dramatically
for both men and women as the age rises. In addition,
some conditions that naturally progress, such as atherosclerosis,
tend to affect older adults more often than younger
people.
Ethnicity. Statistically,
non-White ethnic populations have a higher risk of many
chronic diseases, including heart disease. However, the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other experts note
that this may be due in a large part to environmental risk
factors and the prevalence of controllable health risk behaviors
(such as tobacco smoking) among ethnic populations.
A
family history of heart disease or congenital heart disease. Environmental risk factors are
typically controllable and often reflect personal
health behaviors that can be modified in order
to prevent, control and possibly reverse certain
types of heart disease. These
include:
Smoking. Tobacco
smoking and passive smoking (exposure
to second-hand smoke) contribute to as
many as 20 percent of heart-related deaths
in the U.S., according to the American
Heart Association. > Control
it! Ask
your physician about programs and/or products
that may help you to quit smoking.
Lack
of exercise. A
sedentary lifestyle can lead to a
host of health problems, including
high cholesterol and high blood pressure. > Control
it! Start
a light fitness program that includes
ample walking and speak with your physician
about developing an exercise regimen
that is right for you.
Obesity. Being
20 percent over your ideal weight puts
much stress on the heart and greatly
increases coronary risk. A poor diet
may also raise cholesterol levels. > Control
it! Follow
a low-fat, heart-healthy diet like the Food
Guide Pyramid or one recommended by your
doctor.
Uncontrolled
diabetes and/or high blood pressure. People
with diabetes are prone to heart-related
conditions such as coronary artery
disease, peripheral arterial disease
and cardiomyopathy. These conditions
can increase the risk of heart attack
or stroke. People with high blood
pressure (higher than 140/90) have
a similarly increased risk of heart
disease and coronary events. > Control
it! Regular
visits to your physician will ensure
that these conditions are diagnosed and
managed appropriately. In addition, home
diagnostic equipment is commercially
available to help you monitor these conditions
on a regular basis.
Stressful
situations. Stress
can be physical or emotional reaction
to a change in the environment. Chronic,
or long-term, stress can lead to
a host of medical problems including
an increased risk for heart attack
or stroke. > Control
it! Training
in relaxation, meditation or breathing
exercises can be of great value. Counseling
and professional support may also allow
you to constructively address changes
in your life and introduce you to other
helpful stress management practices.
Prevention
strategies can mean the difference between good health and
a bad heart.
What
is coronary risk? 
