Modifiable Risk Factors

Modifiable risk factors are those that you can manage or change. For heart disease, they include:

• Drinking too much alcohol
• Diabetes 
• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol 
• Metabolic syndrome 
• Obesity or having extra body weight 
• Physical inactivity 
• Smoking and other tobacco use 

Nonmodifiable Risk Factors

Nonmodifiable risk factors are those that you cannot change. They include:

• Family history. Your genes affect factors like your cholesterol, blood pressure and heart structure. Your family history is considered a significant risk factor if:
• Your father or brother develops heart disease before age 55.
• Your mother or sister develops heart disease before age 65.
• If a parent or sibling is gender-diverse and develops heart disease, talk to your physician about your risk.

• Age. Your risk of heart disease increases as you get older.
• Gender.
• Men are generally at higher risk of heart disease.
• Women’s risk of heart disease increases after menopause.
• People who are gender-diverse should talk to their physician about their risk of heart disease.

If you have any of these risk factors, discuss them with your physician. Your care team can assess your risk. They can also guide you on lifestyle changes and medical options.

Eat a healthy diet.

• Eat plenty of fruits , vegetables and whole grains .
• Limit saturated and trans fats , sodium and added sugars.
• Choose lean proteins like beans, fish and poultry over red meat (such as beef or pork).
• Consider following a plant-based diet.

Exercise regularly.

• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day.
• Do strength training exercises to build muscle.

Manage your weight.

• Carrying extra weight, especially around the middle of your body, raises your risk of heart disease. We offer a healthy approach to weight loss with a full range of weight management services tailored to you.

Follow healthy habits.

• If you smoke or use other tobacco products, take steps to quit.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.
• Manage your stress by practicing stress-reduction techniques like mental health therapy, meditation or breathing techniques.
• Get good sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours each night.

See your primary care physician for annual checkups. Your primary care team can monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol , as well as screen for diabetes. All of those impact your risk of developing heart disease.

If heart disease is found, your primary care physician may refer you to a cardiologist for more testing. You may need medication or a procedure to treat your condition.