Understand: Your Risk Factors

A key to taking control of your heart health is knowing your risk factors. Once you identify your unique risk factors for heart disease, you can talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that could have a positive impact on your risk.

Some risk factors are outside of your control. These include your family history and age. Other risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and unhealthy weight.

About half of all Americans (47%) have at least one of three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

Learn more about your personal risk for heart disease.

Take the Next Step

If you think you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease, take the next step and find a cardiology specialist near you, use our Find a Doctor tool.