CARDIAC RISK FACTORS - A term to describe overall risk of developing heart disease (blockage of the coronary arteries). The greatest risk factor for a myocardial event is a prior heart attack. Typical cardiac risk factors include: diabetes, high blood pressure, prior heart attack, elevated blood cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, elevated LDL, low HDL (particularly in females), obesity, smoking, and a family history for heart attacks in parents or siblings. Advanced age (over 50) and being male also constitute some increased risk for cardiac disease. Risk appears to increase with the accumulation of the above risk factors.