Even moderate-intensity exercise is helpful if done regularly. This risk factor cannot be changed or eliminated. Overall, men have a higher risk for heart attack than women. The difference narrows after women reach menopause, because research shows that the female hormone estrogen helps protect women from heart disease. But, after the age of 65, the risk for heart disease is about the same between the sexes when other risk factors are similar.
Heart disease tends to run in families.
For example, if your parents or siblings had a heart or circulatory problem before age 55, then you are at greater risk for heart disease than someone who doesn't have that family history. Also, researchers have found that some forms of cardiovascular disease are more common among certain racial and ethnic groups. For example, studies have shown that African Americans have more severe high blood pressure, and a greater risk for heart disease than whites. The bulk of cardiovascular research for minorities has focused on African Americans and Hispanics, with the white population used as a comparison. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in other minority groups are still being studied.