Certain characteristics or behaviors called "risk factors" can increase your chances of developing the most common type of heart disease - coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD and stroke risk multiply by the number of risk factors present. It is important to recognize the risk factors that may pertain to you and understand what you can do to eliminate or modify them. Some risk factors can be modified. For example you can stop smoking, exercise routinely, eat a healthy diet, and manage high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes with the help of your physician. Other risk factors can't be modified, such as heredity and age.

Become aware of your heart risk factors by:

1. Reading our Cardiac Risk Assessment page

2. Using our Cardiac Risk Assessment Calculator