Calculate your risk of getting heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women experiencing a heart attack every year, Fox News reports.  

In 1948, the National Heart Institute started the Framingham Heart Study to learn more about heart disease and stroke. The researchers followed over 5,000 participants in Framingham, Ma throughout their lifetimes to determine the common risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In 1971, a second-generation group—the children of the original group and their spouses—was enrolled.

As a result of this long-term study, scientists have determined key risk factors that can increase a person’s chance of experiencing heart disease or a heart attack over their lifetime. By tracking your risk factor, you can determine how aggressive you need to be in adopting lifestyle changes and treatments.

Your Age

Your risk for heart disease increases as you age, regardless of your other risk factors: for men - after the age of 45 and for women after the age of 55 (or after menopause). 

Over time, the gradual buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries can become problematic. As you get older, the arteries may narrow.  Sometimes, a blood clot can form, blocking the blood flow, which can cause a heart attack.

Your Gender

 Men are at higher risk for heart disease than women. 70 to 80 percent of sudden cardiac events occur in men. So far, scientists aren’t sure why this is, though studies have indicated that sex hormones may be to blame.

Your Total Cholesterol Levels

 Your total cholesterol, which is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood, is a potential risk factor for heart disease.  

The range of cholesterol levels is:

Normal: less than 200 mg/dL

Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL

High: 240 mg/dL and above

The higher your total cholesterol levels, the higher your risk of heart disease.

Your HDL “Good” Cholesterol Levels

 Scientists have discovered that all cholesterol is not the same. The so-called “good” cholesterol—HDL—is actually protective against heart disease. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why, but they believe that it helps to reduce inflammation, which contributes to heart health. The general consensus is that the higher your HDL level, the lower your risk of heart disease.

Generally:

HDL lower than 40 mg/dL increases your risk of heart disease.

HDL above 60 may offer protection against heart disease.

Your Smoking History

 Overall, smoking increases your risk of heart disease. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes harm the heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk of atherosclerosis (artery narrowing).

Your Blood Pressure

 The first number of your blood pressure reading can also give you a clue as to your risk of heart disease. This is called the “systolic” blood pressure, and measures the pressure in the arteries.

Here are some blood pressure guidelines:

Normal: less than 120 mm Hg

Prehypertension: 120 to 139 mm Hg

High blood pressure (stage 1): 140 to 159

High blood pressure (stage 2): 160 or higher

Whether or Not You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is in the list of heart disease risks. Over time, high blood glucose levels (blood sugar) can increase the deposits of fatty materials in artery and blood vessel walls, increasing the chances for artery narrowing and hardening (atherosclerosis).