Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
Non-modifiable risk factors are things that you cannot change. These include:
- Age - The older you are, the greater your risk for heart disease and stroke. Once men reach the age of 45 years, their risk for heart disease increases. For women, their risk increases at the age of 55 or after menopause occurs.
- Gender - Men have a higher risk for developing heart disease than women. After menopause, however, the protective effects of female hormones fade and the risk of heart disease for women increases. Because most women experience their heart disease later in life, their recovery outcomes are often not as good as men.
- Family History - If you have a first degree blood relative (mother, father, sibling or child) who experiences heart disease or stroke before the age of 55 years in a male relative and 65 years in a female relative, you are considered to have “positive family history”. Family history is particularly important when heart disease or stroke occurs at a young age.
Please visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation website for detailed information on Heart Disease and Stroke.