Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women, and they have attacks earlier in life.

Children of parents with heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves. Although heredity is commonly blamed for this observation lifestyle may at least in part account for this relationship.

For instance, African Americans have more severe high blood pressure than whites and a higher risk of heart disease. Heart disease risk is also higher among Mexican Americans, Native Americans, native Hawaiians and some Asian Americans. Although it is acknowledge that this is partly due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes many researchers believe these observation may to some degree reflect the socio-economic conditions of the various groups rather then just genetics.

Inhalation of cigarette smoke causes profound effects on both the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. Nicotine increases blood pressure, heart rate and the amount of blood flowing from the heart to the coronary arteries and the other blood vessels of the body. It also causes narrowing of vessels in the extremities and is believed to contribute to excessive clot formation.

Carbon monoxide which is inhaled as part of cigarette smoke, interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen, In effect reducing the amount of oxygen available to tissues. As blood vessels progressively narrow the effect of reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood becomes more evident. It can cause or aggravate angina, muscle spasms, breathlessness and intermittent claudication.

Cigarette smoking also causes platelets to become sticky and clump together thereby increasing the risk of clotting and blood vessel damage. Smokers' risk of heart attack is more than twice that of nonsmokers.

Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for sudden cardiac death. In the first few days after a heart attack the longer a person survives the greater becomes his/her chance of survival. Sudden cardiac death means that an individual dies soon after a heart attack. Cigarette smokers have two to four times the risk for sudden cardiac death as compared to non-smokers. Smokers who have a heart attack are more likely to die and die suddenly (within an hour) than are non-smokers. Cigarette smoking greatly amplifies the effect of other risk factors further increasing the risk for coronary heart disease.

Cigar and pipe smokers appear to have a higher risk of death from coronary heart disease (and possibly stroke), but their risk isn't as great as cigarette smokers'.

The risk of coronary heart disease rises as blood cholesterol levels increase. Looking at cholesterol alone is not as helpful as looking at the individual constituents that make up cholesterol.

For instance there are three types of cholesterol in particular that have been found to be stronger indicators of risk than cholesterol alone. These factors are called LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein) Lp(a) (Lipoprotein a). A possible fourth indicator apolipoprotein B (apoB) is currently being studied in relation to women.

LDL, a major cholesterol carrier, helps to carry cholesterol and other fats to the cells of the body. High levels of LDL, can lead to cholesterol build-up on blood vessel walls and eventually cause damage to those walls.

HDL another major cholesterol carrier, helps to cholesterol from the cells of the body to the liver. High levels of HDL, are protective in that they have the effect of carrying excess cholesterol from the cells of the blood vessels walls to the liver for eventual removal from the body through the bowels.

Lp(a) is a variation of LDL that is associated with an even higher cardiac disease risk that LDL. The method by with Lp(a) contributes to cardiac disease is unknown and under intense investigation. It is probable that Lp(a) will become at least as important a risk factor as LDL and HDL are.

(ApoB), another constituent of LDL, appears to be a stronger risk factor of coronary disease in women the LDL. Recent trials have shown that LDL is a less significant risk for women. In addition, analysis of the Framingham Offspring population demonstrated that concentrations of apoB were related to coronary artery disease in women.

The first force is created each time the heart contracts. This creates a rise in normal pressure (systolic pressure) that helps propel the blood through the body. This rise in pressure is necessary for the delivery of nutrients throughout the body and in the formation of urine necessary for eliminating wastes from the body. The second is created by arterial resistant (diastolic pressure) to blood flow. Healthy arteries are muscular and elastic. They stretch with each heart beat and bounce back as the pressure begins to drop. This recoil also helps to propel the blood throughout the arterial system.

High blood pressure is the number one heart- related health condition in the North America today, affecting over 60 million people. In fact the most common cause of doctor visits is related of hypertension. Ninety percent of all high blood pressure is idiopathic, (unknown cause).

High blood pressure increase the amount of work the heart has to perform and over time will cause the heart to enlarge and eventually weaken. Some scientists believe that the constant excess pounding of blood vessels cause by high blood pressure may in part be responsible for blood vessel damage and eventually plaqueing, this is common in individuals with a long history of high blood pressure. Blood vessel damage has varying effects depending upon the location. Damage to blood vessels in the kidneys increase the risk of kidney failure, in the heart can increase the risk of heart attack and in the brain can increase the risk of strokes.

Normal blood pressure falls within a normal range; the high end of normal is generally agreed to be at 140/90. Blood pressure below 100/60 is considered to be low. Under normal conditions, blood pressure can rise above 140/90 or fall below100/60. Strenuous physical activity will routinely cause high blood pressure while relaxation and sleep can cause low blood pressure. While transient rises in blood pressure are generally insignificant, sustained rises in blood pressure are classified as Hypertension and considered to be a significant risk factor.

When insulin levels are low, the sugar concentrations rise far above normal and remains in the blood for an extended period of time. Over time these high concentrations can cause damage to blood vessels an accelerate the development of coronary vessel disease and other blood vessel diseases.

• Type II Diabetes,
• High Blood Pressure
• Low HDL ('good') Cholesterol levels
• High Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that plays a number important functions in the body. In 1969, Kilmer McCully, M.D., first proposed that a the amino acid homocysteine played a significant role in heart disease. His research was initially dismissed and his career abruptly damaged by the presentation of his research.

Studies have shown that patients who have had a heart attack have higher levels of fibrinogen in their blood. These fibrinogen-heart attack relationship remain constant regardless of the absence or presence of other risk factors.