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Risk factors for coronary artery disease

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By Robin Parks, MS

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Risk factors for coronary artery disease include:

  • High blood pressure.
  • Smoking.
  • High LDL (low-density lipoprotein, "bad") cholesterol (greater than 130 mg/dL).
  • Low HDL (high-density lipoprotein, "good") cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL).
  • Family history of early coronary artery disease.
  • Fatal heart attack in a parent or sibling at an early age (before age 45 in men; before age 55 in women).
  • Increasing age (men age 45 or older; women age 55 or older).
  • Diabetes.
  • Being overweight.
  • Lack of exercise.

Credits

Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology
Specialist Medical Reviewer Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Last Updated April 24, 2007
Last Updated: 04/24/2007

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