Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Heart Disease

It is important to remember that these are factors that you cannot change.

Age
Your risk for heart disease increases as you get older.

Gender
Men are at higher risk for heart attacks than women are. The risk increases for post-menopausal women, but still does not equal that of men.

Race
African Americans, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Hawaiians and some Asian Americans are at higher risk for developing heart disease. This is due in part to higher occurrences of diabetes, hypertension and obesity in these ethnic groups.

Family History
If either or both of your parents have coronary artery disease, your risk for developing CAD is greatly increased. Genetic predisposition to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol could also increase your risk for developing CAD.

Personal History
Your chances of experiencing coronary problems is increased if you have experienced a cardiac event in the past.

Because heart disease and its associated risk factors can be inherited, screening and specific risk reduction programs are available through a unique, comprehensive department at the Minneapolis Heart Institute that places special emphasis on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Please click the following link to learn more about MHI’s Preventive Cardiology/Lipid Clinic.

Information provided in part by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation