The term "Risk Factors" describe certain individual demographics, behaviors and blood test results which are known to influence your risk for developing atherosclerosis in your arteries.
They have been most extensively validated for prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD):angina, heart attack, sudden death, need for angioplasty, need for bypass surgery. They are equally important for predicting atherosclerosis in other arteries such as the carotid arteries to the brain and the peripheral arteries to the legs. However, risk factors have not been validated as extensively for prediction of these diseases |
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Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors |
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Risk factors that cannot be changed include age, gender, family history of early heart attack or stroke, atherosclerotic disease already present, post-menopausal status in women.
Risk Factors that can be changed include cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, stress, elevation of cholesterol and other blood abnormalities. |
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Traditional Versus New Risk Factors |
Traditional risk factors are those studied for several decades in large populations and are validated for prediction of coronary heart disease. These are a part of the Traditional Risk Factor Worksheet.
New risk factors are primarily blood tests disclosing certain inherited, metabolic disorders which are known to promote atherosclerosis. Examples are elevated Lipoprotein (a) and elevated Homocysteine. These are listed in the Supplemental Risk Factor Worksheet. |
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Your Risk Factor Score: When Should You be Worried? |
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Risk factor scoring systems give approximate odds of developing a disease over the next five and ten year periods. For most of us, a 1 in 100 risk is very small and justifies no action. However, a 1 in 3 chance is ominous and merits attention and change.
Your threshold for making change in your life is your own. For most people, a five year risk of 5-10% or a ten year risk of 10-20% warrants action.
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