Who is at risk of coronary artery disease?

There are many factors that increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Some of the risks are inherited and others are more controllable. Risk factors include the following: Male gender Age 60 and greater, especially for women whose risk increases after menopause Tobacco smoking also raises the risk of CAD by approximately 50% compared with non-smokers. Deaths from CAD in people 35-45 years old are 5 times more common in smokers. High blood pressure. Diabetes. Male diabetics are twice as susceptible as other men, and female diabetics are 5 times as susceptible as other women. Family history. You are at greater risk of CAD if several of your close relatives have had it. Being overweight Having a sedentary lifestyle Being a woman over 35 who takes birth control pills High cholesterol levels High blood homocysteine levels Infection that causes an inflammatory response in the artery wall.