A high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The higher the blood cholesterol level, the more likely that fats and cholesterol will build up in the artery walls. High blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. If members of your family have had cardiovascular disease, heart attacks or strokes, you are more likely to develop it.
Race is also a factor.
African Americans have a greater risk of heart disease than white Americans. Diabetes increases the risk of death from coronary heart disease by three to seven times in women.