An individual's risk of a heart attack gradually increases as he or she gets older. Also, the older a person is, the more likely the heart attack will be fatal. According to the American Heart Association, four out of five people who die of a heart attack are over the age of 65.
Men Men are at higher risk for heart disease at an earlier age than women.
The risk of a heart attack begins to increase more rapidly when a man reaches age 45. His risk goes up steadily as he gets older. A woman's risk of heart attack begins to increase when she reaches age 55. The hormone estrogen is protective to the heart, so when a woman reaches menopause and her estrogen production reduces, she is more susceptible to heart disease. If you are approaching or have reached menopause, discuss HRT with your physician.