Heart Attack Risk Factors
ABC news 22301
Age
Weight
Smoking Tobacco use constricts the arteries and hinders blood flow to the heart. Eating
Blood Pressure High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart. Cholesterol
Exercise
Stress
Family History
Heart disease will kill one third of American women, and even more American men which makes it the leading cause of death in the U.S. Though men tend not to worry about heart problems until they are in their 40s, artery blockage can be detected when men are in their mid-20s and most men can decrease their risk by changing their lifestyle. The Mayo Clinic's Dr. Scott Wright says that too many young men underestimate the dangers. "The biggest problem I see is denial — that it can be me, that what I'm doing today in 20 or 30 years can lead to having heart disease, being at risk for heart attack, or needing bypass surgery." Men's Health Magazine and 20/20 studied the habits and history of three regular guys: a police officer, a student and a fireman. Who do you think is most likely to have a heart attack? You can find out by watching 20/20 tonight. |