Heart attack risk factors

Understanding your risks is the first step to avoiding a heart attack or stroke. There’s no one cause for coronary illness, however, there are hazard factors that increase your possibility of creating it.

You probably won’t realize you have some of these risk factors. The best way to get out of your overall risk is to see your GP for a heart health check.

Risks you can’t change

• Age
• Gender
• Ethnic background
• Family history

Risks you can change

• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• diabetes
• Being inactive
• Being overweight
• Unhealthy diet
• Depression and social isolation