Risks & Benefits

The following major risk factors for cardiovascular disease can be improved and should be considered in all adults:

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which a material called plaque builds up on the inner walls of the arteries. This can happen in any artery, including the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart. When atherosclerosis affects the coronary arteries, the condition is called coronary artery disease (CAD).

High cholesterol is responsible for 70% of heart disease and is the leading killer of both men and women after the age of 45. Abnormal cholesterol levels such as high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol are a major risk factor for

• Heart disease,
• Arterial blockage (hardening of the arteries, blood clots, clogged arteries),
• Heart attacks,
• Stroke.

Over 20 million people in the US have diabetes. Diabetes is a condition in which your body either can't make or can't use insulin properly to break down and absorb sugars in your food. Most patients have type 2 diabetes.

If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), it is important to attempt to exclude or identify reversible (secondary) causes.

• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Lifestyle
• Medication

Overweight and obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.

Your risk for developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries or blockages) includes health factors that indicate your chance of having a cardiovascular event such as heart attack or stroke:

Risks and Benefits of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Risks and benefits of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

If you have heart disease and want help deciding what treatment is best for you, check this out (you will need to have information about your coronary arteries and heart condition): http://www.cardiachealth.org/app/