Factors that cannot be changed:

• Heredity - you cannot change your genetic background
• Sex - women have a lower incidence of heart attack
• Race - African Americans have a 45% greater chance of high blood pressure
• Age - risks increase with age, however, 1 in 4 deaths occur under age 65

Factors that CAN BE changed:

• Smoking one pack a day increases heart attack rate two times over a nonsmoker
• Smoking one pack a day increases the chance of having a stroke five times over a nonsmoker
• Hypertension - is a risk factor that can be controlled by diet, exercise and medications
• Diet - high fat, high cholesterol foods cause plaque to collect on artery walls which constrict blood flow

Other factors:

• Obesity - obese middle aged men have 3 times greater risk of heart attack
• Lack of exercise
• Stress - the Type A personality, with a sense of urgency, drive and competitiveness, has a greater risk