According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), coronary heart disease is a condition that involves the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaque) on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Risk factors for heart disease are medical conditions or lifestyle practices that increase a person's chance of getting coronary heart disease. Each individual has control over some of these risk factors, but there are some that are beyond the individual's control, the NHLBI says.
High Blood Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty material that circulates in the bloodstream. High blood cholesterol is a condition in which blood cholesterol levels are higher than those prescribed for good heart health. This condition increases a person's risk of heart disease and heart attack. The NHLBI says that a total cholesterol level of 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood or above is high cholesterol. In addition to this, an LDL or bad cholesterol level of 160 to 189 mg/dL is high. For HDL or good cholesterol, the higher the level the better for heart health. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL and above protects the heart against coronary heart disease, according to the NHLBI.
High Blood Pressure
According to the NHLBI, blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. If this pressure remains at a high level for a prolonged period of time, damage to the heart and plaque buildup occur. The NHLBI says that all blood pressure readings above 120/80 increase a person's risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Obesity
The American Heart Association points out that "obesity is now recognized as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack." An obese person is one who has too much body fat. Obesity is a major risk factor because it raises blood pressure and total blood cholesterol levels, and it lowers the level of HDL or good cholesterol, the American Heart Association says.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease state in which blood glucose levels are too high. In type 1 or early onset diabetes the body does not make enough insulin to transport glucose from the blood into the cells. In type 2 or late onset diabetes, the body cannot use the insulin it does produce, the NHLBI says. Prolonged high blood glucose levels lead to accumulation of plaque in the arteries and a doubling of the risk of heart disease.
Lack of Physical Activity
In the report "2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans," the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) states that the risk of heart disease for people who engage in moderate aerobic physical activity is much lower than that for inactive people. Moderate physical activity means spending 150 minutes a week on things like brisk walking. HHS also says that there is strong evidence that physically active adults have a lower risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
