Who Is At Risk for Coronary Artery Disease?

About 13 million people in the United States have coronary artery disease (CAD). It is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Each year, more than half a million Americans die from CAD.

Several factors increase the risk of developing CAD. The more risk factors you have, the greater chance you have of developing CAD. Some CAD risk factors, such as age, can't be modified, but others can.

Risk Factors That Cannot Be Modified:

• Age. As you get older, your risk for CAD increases.
  • In men, risk increases after age 45.
  • In women, risk increases after age 55.
• Family history of early heart disease.
  • Heart disease diagnosed before age 55 in father or brother.
  • Heart disease diagnosed before age 65 in mother or sister.

Risk Factors That Can Be Modified:

• High blood cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Cigarette smoking
• Diabetes
• Overweight or obesity
• Lack of physical activity

Other Potential Risk Factors

Scientists continue to study other potential risk factors for developing CAD.

According to some research studies, high blood levels of a substance called C-reactive protein (CRP) may be associated with an increased risk of developing CAD and having a heart attack. CRP is a protein in the blood that shows the presence of inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection. CRP levels rise when there is inflammation. The inflammation process appears to contribute to the growth of plaque in arteries.

Research is underway to find out if reducing inflammation and lowering CRP levels can also reduce the risk of developing CAD and having a heart attack.