Heart attack risk factors
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Knowing your risks is the first step to avoiding a heart attack or stroke. There’s no one cause for heart disease, but there are risk factors that increase your chance of developing it.
You might not know you have some of these risk factors. The best way to find out your overall risk is to see your GP for a heart health check.
Risks you can’t change
There are a few risks you can’t do much about:
- Age: As you get older, your risk of heart disease increases.
- Gender: Men are at higher risk of heart disease. Women’s risk grows and may be equal to men after menopause.
- Ethnic background: People of some origins (e.g. from the Indian sub-continent) have higher risk. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have more risk because of lifestyle factors.
- Family history: If someone in your family has had a heart attack, speak to your GP about your risk.
Risks you can change
Most heart disease risk factors can be changed, and there’s plenty you can do about them:
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Smoking
Read about smoking and your heartBeing smoke free is one of the best ways to protect your heart. If you are a smoker, you should stop.
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High cholesterol
More about blood cholesterolAn imbalance of cholesterol in your blood can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
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High blood pressure
More about blood pressureBlood pressure isn’t usually something you can feel. If it’s too high, it needs to be treated.
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Diabetes
For more information see Diabetes AustraliaIt’s important to manage your diabetes to help prevent a heart attack or stroke.
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Being inactive
Be more activeNot getting enough physical activity isn’t good for your heart health.
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Being overweight
How to be a healthy weightBeing overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease.
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Unhealthy diet
More about healthy eatingEating a varied diet of healthy foods can help with your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.
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Depression and social isolation
See Beyondblue for more informationThere can be a greater risk of heart disease for people who have depression, are socially isolated or do not have good social support.