Researchers found that nine easily measured and potentially modifiable risk factors account for more than 90 percent of the risk of initial heart attack. They include: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, abnormal blood cholesterol levels, abdominal obesity, lack of physical activity, low daily fruit and vegetable intake, drinking too much alcohol, and psychosocial factors such as emotional stress and depression. Potentially modifiable is an understatement, these risk factors are most certainly modifiable as we take steps toward our innate wellness.

Yusuf, Salim; et al. “Effect of Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors Associated with Myocardial Infarction in 52 Countries (the INTERHEART study): Case-Control Study.” Lancet 364 (2004) 937-952.