The first step in avoiding danger is being able to recognize it. That's why it's so crucial to know what habits or conditions might make you at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Coronary artery disease is both the most common kind of heart disease and the number one killer of both men and women in this country. It occurs when the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart become clogged with deposits of fat and cholesterol. This can lead to a heart attack, heart failure or a dangerously irregular heartbeat.

Some risk factors of heart disease can't be changed, such as increasing age. Another is a family history of early heart disease.

What follows is your guide to six major risk factors that you do have control over. The more factors that you have, the greater your chances are of developing coronary artery disease. Each of these risk factors can be controlled by changing your lifestyle and, in some cases and if needed, by taking medicine.

Six red flags

1. Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels. This includes high LDL "bad" cholesterol and low HDL "good" cholesterol. Optimal LDL level is below 100 mg/dL. If you already have heart disease or are at very high risk of getting it, you should aim for an LDL level of less than 70 mg/dL. Ask your doctor for specific guidelines. Also, keeping your HDL above 60 mg/dL can help cut your risk of heart disease.

2. Smoking tobacco. Do you light up? If so, your risk of CAD is two to four times that of a nonsmoker.

3. High blood pressure. Having high blood pressure harms your heart by making it work too hard. It also further damages your arteries, including those that supply blood to the heart muscle. Your blood pressure is considered high if it consistently stays at or above 140/90 mm Hg.

4. Diabetes. Roughly three out of four people with diabetes die from some form of heart disease or blood vessel disease. Though diabetes by itself makes you susceptible to CAD, the risk is especially high when blood sugar levels are not well controlled.

5. Obesity and overweight. Carrying too many pounds strains your heart. It also raises blood pressure, adversely affects cholesterol levels and raises your risk of developing diabetes - all of which increase your risk for heart disease. Extra pounds are especially risky if they show up around your waist.

6. Physical inactivity. If regular exercise is not a part of your routine, you could be inviting heart problems. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous exercise protects your heart. Among other things, it can help keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and cholesterol in check.

Lower your risk
Your heart will thank you if you do all that you can to eliminate risk factors. Be sure to:

• Stop smoking if you light up. Ask your doctor for help with quitting.
• Eat a heart-friendly diet. Focus on foods that are low in fat, sodium and cholesterol.
• Aim for a healthy weight. Yes, it's hard to drop pounds. But losing even 10 pounds can help protect your heart.
• Get moving. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. Get your doctor's approval before you increase your activity level.

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External Sources American Heart Association. Risk factors and coronary heart disease. . Accessed October 15, 2009 Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2007.. Accessed October 15, 2009

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.