Guide to Your Real Heart Attack Risk

Discuss these things to gauge your likelihood of a heart attack in the next 10 years:

1. Your family's heart-health history

Genetics can work for or against you.

2. How autoimmune diseases affect risk

Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are linked to heart disease.

3. Your diet, exercise, and stress levels

A healthy, low-stress life helps your heart.

4. If you've had pregnancy complications

Gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia can increase risk.

5. Your BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure

Keep track of these numbers so you and your doctor know what's normal for you.

6. If you smoke or regularly breathe in secondhand smoke

Smokers have two to four times the risk of heart disease; secondhand smoke also adds to your risk.

7. Your blood work

Consider screens for cholesterol, blood sugar, triglycerides, and any kidney issues.

The 5 Warning Signs You Should Know

Call hospital if you have any of these symptoms.

1. Pressure or pain in your neck, jaw, arms, shoulders, upper back, or abdomen.

2. Extreme fatigue that's unusual or sudden.

3. Shortness of breath, especially when it's combined with any symptoms listed here or dizziness or lightheadedness (and you don't have asthma).

4. Inexplicably breaking out in a cold sweat that feels similar to stress-related sweats.

5. Nausea or vomiting that strikes out of the blue and occurs with any of the above symptoms.