What are the risk factors for heart attack?

A heart attack usually follows narrowing or sudden blockage in a coronary artery. High blood pressure can strain artery walls, while high cholesterol can contribute to fatty deposits. Nicotine exposure can damage blood vessels and make clotting more likely. Diabetes can affect blood vessels over time. Risk also rises with smoking, limited physical activity, excess weight, and a family history of heart disease at a young age. Age and some inherited conditions matter too, although having a risk factor does not mean a heart attack will happen.

Managing Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes can help address two important contributors to cardiovascular risk.

Book a health review to check blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, and smoking or nicotine use. Take prescribed medicines consistently and discuss side effects before stopping them. If you smoke, ask about a supported quit plan. Regular movement, a diet centred on vegetables, pulses, whole grains, and unsalted foods, and sensible alcohol choices can support heart health. Your clinician can tailor activity advice if you have symptoms or another medical condition.

Call emergency services immediately for pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest, especially if it spreads to the arm, back, neck, or jaw. Breathlessness, cold sweating, nausea, faintness, or unusual weakness can also occur. Do not drive yourself, and do not wait to see whether symptoms settle. Heart attack symptoms can be less typical in women, older adults, and people with diabetes.

Which risk factors apply to me? Should I have blood pressure, cholesterol, or glucose checks? What is a realistic smoking-cessation plan? Which symptoms mean I should call emergency services?