Potentially reversible factors

• Raised blood fats, including cholesterol. Studies have shown that reducing serum cholesterol can both slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis and even gradually reverse the process.
• Smoking – the risk of developing CAD is directly related (in men) to the degree of the smoking habit. The relationship in women is less clear.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Other factors
  • sedentary lifestyle
  • high fat diet and poor nutrition
  • diabetes mellitus
  • obesity
  • previous stroke/heart attack
  • aggressive Type A personality
  • social disadvantage