Q: I hear a lot about risk factors for heart disease. I am a 35 year old male in good health. Should I be concerned at my age?

A: Risk factors are conditions that initiate, or exacerbate, the atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in the coronary arteries. The American Heart Association currently recognizes the following as risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease:

MAJOR Risk Factors

• Cigarette / Tobacco Smoke
• High Blood Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Physical Inactivity
• Heredity

CONTRIBUTING Risk Factors

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Stress
• Alcohol
• High Triglycerides