Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A List

It’s a good idea to print this page and have it in front of you when you start working.

In this site, cardiovascular risk factors are divided into two groups: Major Risk Factors and Additional Risk Factors.
The list below is based on a synthesis from two sources: the AHA/ACC scientific statement: Assessment Of Cardiovascular Risk By Use Of Multiple-Risk-Factor Assessment Equations (6), and the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Third Report Of The Expert Panel On Detection, Evaluation And Treatment Of High Blood Cholesterol In Adults/(Adult Treatment Panel III), 2001(7).

Major Risk Factors

• Documented cardiovascular disease
• Cigarette smoking- any amount
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypertension- blood pressure>140/90 or on anti-hypertensive medication
• Elevated total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels
• Low levels of HDL-cholesterol- < 40 mg/dl
• A family history of premature coronary artery disease- in a first degree male relative <age 55 or female relative<age 65
• Obesity- BMI>30 kg/m2 ->accentuated by abdominal obesity- waist circum > 102cm (40 in)-in males; > 88cm (35in) in females
• Physical inactivity
• Advancing age- >=55 for males; >=65 for females

Additional Risk Factors

• Elevated serum triglyceride levels
• Small LDL particles
• Elevated serum homocysteine levels
• Elevated serum lipoprotein (a) levels
• Pro-thrombotic factors (e.g., fibrinogen) and inflammatory markers (e.g., c-reactive protein)
• Ethnic characteristics and psychosocial factors