Cardiac Rehabilitation Congestive Heart Failure Clinic Eating Healthy Coronary Risk Factors Studies have identified risk factors, which are contributing factors to heart disease. Risk factors are inherited tendencies and learned habits that may increase your risk of having heart disease or speeding up the process. Gender - Males continue to be a higher risk for having heart disease before the age of 65. Smoking - Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for sudden cardiac death.
Smokers have two to four times the risk of nonsmokers.
According to the Framingham Heart Study, nonsmokers live seven to eight years longer than a smoker. Anything above that is considered high. It also can lead to heart failure. It is necessary for cell development. Our bodies produce cholesterol and we also obtain it in our diets by eating animal foods, such as meat, eggs and dairy products.