Self-Reported Risk Factors
Heart health is affected by numerous controllable and uncontrollable factors. The following are the controllable factors and the risk levels for Three Rivers District Health Department's participants.
As age increases, so does an individual's risk for heart disease. Women are at a slightly higher risk of developing heart disease than men, although it usually does not occur in women until after menopause. Of those that participated in the Health Risk Assessment, 66% were women. For unknown reasons, certain races are considered to be at higher risk for heart disease. Even though it is not clear as to why this is true, lifestyle habits among different groups are considered contributing factors.
A family history of heart disease is another uncontrollable risk factor. Often, first-degree blood relatives are considered the strongest link for family history risk. Three Rivers District Health Department's population contains 22.1% of employees with a family history of heart disease and 2.9% have been directly affected by some form of heart problem.
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Uncontrollable Factors
Uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease include age, gender, race and family history. Although participants cannot change these factors, it is important to understand all areas that impact heart disease.As age increases, so does an individual's risk for heart disease. Women are at a slightly higher risk of developing heart disease than men, although it usually does not occur in women until after menopause. Of those that participated in the Health Risk Assessment, 66% were women. For unknown reasons, certain races are considered to be at higher risk for heart disease. Even though it is not clear as to why this is true, lifestyle habits among different groups are considered contributing factors.
A family history of heart disease is another uncontrollable risk factor. Often, first-degree blood relatives are considered the strongest link for family history risk. Three Rivers District Health Department's population contains 22.1% of employees with a family history of heart disease and 2.9% have been directly affected by some form of heart problem.