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\nThere are many risk factors for coronary heart disease. Your risk of coronary heart disease goes up with the number of risk factors you have and how serious they are. Some risk factors\u2014such as high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol\u2014can be changed through heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Other risk factors, such as sex, older age, family history and genetics , and race and ethnicity, cannot be changed.
\nGenetic or lifestyle factors cause plaque to build up in your arteries as you age. In men, the risk for coronary heart disease starts to increase around age 45. Before menopause, women have a lower risk of coronary heart disease than men. After around age 55, women\u2019s risk goes up. This is likely because women make less estrogen (a female hormone) after menopause. Also, changes in the small blood vessels of the heart as you age raise the risk for coronary microvascular disease.
\nAir pollution in the environment can put you at higher risk of coronary heart disease. The increase in risk may be higher in older adults, women, and people who have diabetes or obesity. Air pollution may cause or worsen other conditions, such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, which are known to increase your risk for coronary heart disease.
\nYour work life can also raise your risk if you:
\nA family history of early heart disease is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. This is especially true if your father or brother was diagnosed before age 55, or if your mother or sister was diagnosed before age 65. Research shows that some genes are linked with a higher risk for coronary heart disease.
\nOver time, unhealthy lifestyle habits increase your risk of coronary heart disease because they can lead to plaque buildup in the heart\u2019s blood vessels. Unhealthy lifestyle habits that are risk factors include the following:
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Learn about steps you can take to improve your heart health in our Heart-Healthy Living topic.
\nOther medical conditions that can raise your risk of developing coronary heart disease include:
\nCoronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States, including African Americans, Hispanics, and whites.
\nFor Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders and American Indians or Alaska Natives, heart disease is second only to cancer. People of South Asian ancestry are at higher risk of developing coronary heart disease and serious complications than other Asian Americans.
\nCoronary heart disease affects men and women. Obstructive coronary artery disease is more common in men. However, nonobstructive coronary artery disease is more common in women. Since the nonobstructive type is harder to diagnose, women may not be diagnosed and treated as quickly as men.
\nIf you are a woman having chest discomfort or shortness of breath during physical activity, ask your doctor about tests to check for nonobstructive coronary artery disease or coronary microvascular disease.
\nWomen may have a higher than normal risk for developing coronary heart disease if they have one of the following conditions.
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