Research has shown that certain factors, also called heart hazards, are linked with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a group of conditions that affect the heart ("cardio") or the blood vessels ("vascular"). CVD can cause heart attack or stroke.
The more risk factors or heart hazards a person has, the greater the chance they will develop cardiovascular disease. Some risk factors are present at birth, some are the result of normal changes such as aging and some are the result of lifestyle choices.
The risk factors that you cannot change: family history of heart disease, age, gender, and personal history of heart disease.
This risk factors that you can do something about: alcohol, cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and stress.
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