A cardiovascular risk factor is a condition (not a laboratory analyte) that is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Examples include:
- Age
- Gender (males are at increased risk)
- Heredity (family history of cardiovascular events)
- Hypertension
- Cigarette Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Stress
There are also negative risk factors, factors that decrease a person's risk of cardiovascular disease. Examples include:
- Optimal HDL-C concentration
- Exercise
- Estrogen
- Moderate alcohol intake
