When it comes to heart health, understanding your risk factors is one of the most powerful steps you can take.
Heart disease is a broad term for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. One of the most common forms is high blood pressure (also called hypertension). It often develops without symptoms, which is why regular checkups and screenings with your doctor is important.
They can help detect an issue before it becomes serious.
Understanding risk factors and checking in with your doctor are two important steps to protecting your heart.
What are heart disease risk factors?
Heart disease risk factors are conditions, behaviors, or traits that increase your chance of developing heart disease. While some risk factors can’t be changed, like age or family history, others – like diet or physical activity – can.
Which heart disease risk factors can be improved?
Many common risks for heart disease can be managed with consistency, support, and preventive care.
“Small, daily choices – like moving more, eating well, and avoiding smoking – can make a big difference in reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke,” states Dr. Francis Torres, MD, CPE, Chief Medical Officer of Quartz.
- High cholesterol. Too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can clog arteries.
- Helpful tip: Regular cholesterol checks help you and your care team to track changes over time.
- Smoking and tobacco use. Smoking damages blood vessels and lowers oxygen in your blood.
- Helpful tip: Quitting can lower your heart risk quickly – even if you have smoked many years.
- Diabetes and prediabetes. High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time.
- Helpful tip: Early detection and steady management help support long-term heart health.
- Excess weight & poor nutrition: What you eat can raise blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- Helpful tip: Start small and keep track of what, when, where, and why you eat. Aim to make at least ¼ of your plate vegetables at lunch and dinner, and add fruit as a sweet and healthy way to end meals.
- Physical inactivity: Sitting too much slows circulation and weakens the heart.
- Helpful tip: Move regularly. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week – proven to be the right prescription for a healthy lifestyle.
- Managing stress: Stress can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term stress can increase your risk of heart disease if not managed.
- Helpful tip: Simple breathing exercises can help to reset the heart, body, and mind.
How can I determine if I am at risk for heart disease?
The best place to start is with your doctor or care team. Schedule regular visits and discuss the factors listed above. This can help identify risk factors early – often before symptoms appear.
During routine screenings, your care team may recommend:
- Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
- Create personalized goals that feel achievable
- Discuss medications (like blood pressure medicine or statins) if needed
“Your doctor and care team know your health history best. Talk with them about your heart health risk so you can make informed choices together and take steps that really protect your heart,” says Dr. Torres.
Take the next steps for your heart health
Understanding your heart health isn’t about making drastic changes overnight. It’s about taking one manageable step at a time, keeping consistent, and staying connected to your care team.
Additional resources
Quartz resources designed to help you take charge of your heart health:
