Who can a heart attack strike?

Answer 1

A heart attack can strike anyone with a heart; however, there are some risk factors that seem to predispose some people to heart attacks.

There is a greater risk for a heart attack in people who have one or a combination of the following:

1. Age: people who are greater than 65-years-old are more at risk for a heart attack

2. Gender: men are more likely than women to have a heart attack

3. Genetic Factors/Family History: people who have family who suffered a heart attack are more likely to have a heart attack

4. Race/Ethnicity: your race can make you more susceptible to a heart attack; African-Americans have the highest risk

5. Medical Conditions: people with certain medical conditions--such as hypertension (high blood pressure), Diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.--are more at risk for a heart attack

6. Lifestyle Factors: smoking, alcohol use, poor diet, and physical inactivity contribute to risk for heart attack

There are more factors that increase your risk, but the above are the most common risk factors.