Numerous clinical studies have identified some factors that increase the risk of coronary disease or of heart attack. Some of these factors can be controlled, treated or changed, while others cannot. The more numerous, the more serious the risk in a person, and the greater his or her chances of having a heart attack. 

Some factors that can be controlled are:

• Cigarette smoke: the risk of heart attack for a smoker is two to four times greater than that of a non-smoker, and the smoker runs a higher risk of dying  and of sudden death.  Passive smoke may also increase heart attack risk.

• High cholesterol: the higher the level, the greater the risk. Currently, levels lower than 200 mg/dl are recommended.

• Hypertension:  high blood pressure causes more cardiac exertion and a places an increased burden on the heart.

• Lack of exercise: gradual and regular exercise is essential.

• Overweight: excess weight requires greater cardiac effort and is often associated with high cholesterol levels.

• Diabetes: this disease affects circulation and leads to narrowing of small capillaries. About four-fifths of diabetics die of circulatory problems.

• Stress.

• Excess alcohol intake.

Some risk factors that cannot be controlled are:

• Age: four-fifths of heart attack patients are over 65.

• Sex: men run a higher risk then women, at least until menopause, then the odds tend to even out.

• Heredity: children of parents who suffered heart attack seem more likely to suffer from one themselves.