Risk factors

The top-ranking risk factors for CHD are nicotine abuse (even passive smoking increases the risk by about 25%), high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes mellitus, disorders of lipid metabolism (hypercholesterolaemia: total cholesterol > 250 mg/dl, LDL > 160 mg/dl, HDL < 35 mg/dl, hyperlipidaemia) and a familial/genetic disposition (myocardial infarction in siblings or parents). 

Lower-ranking risk factors are overweight (obesity, > 30% above desirable weight), raised lipoprotein A levels (Lp(A) >30 mg/dl), fibrinogen levels and homocysteine levels (> 9 mmol/l) along with lack of exercise and emotional stress.