The more risk factors a person has for coronary artery disease (CAD), the more likely it is that the person will develop heart problems or have a heart attack. Risk factors for CAD include:

• Being a man older than age 35.
• Being a woman who has gone through menopause.
• Being overweight.
• Having high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Having diabetes.
• Having high cholesterol.
• Having a family history of heart disease.
• Smoking cigarettes.
• Being physically inactive.

Risk factors for a heart attack also include the use of cocaine and amphetamines.