In the last three health columns we delineated atherosclerosis, the underlying disease process of arterial narrowing and hardening clearly associated with heart attacks and angina pectoris. We also identified the role of cardiovascular risk factors that have predictable risk value for population groups. In addition, we discussed the role of bypass surgery and angioplasties/stents for emergency situations where they can be life savers. On the other hand, we also suggested that these operations do not prolong life or even necessarily improve it in that these medical interventions are temporary at best unless their benefits are extended through serious lifestyle changes in diet, exercise and smoking cessation. Similarly, drugs prescribed for most chronic diseases do not cure. They may improve the quality of life; they may control some of the risk factors for these diseases; but they are also expensive and because of their ubiquitous side effects they may require frequent laboratory testing and physician checkups.
To help you identify and understand your own risk factors and to guide you of how to deal with them, take the Self-Scoring Test. It will approximate your relative risk. Listed are 8 risk factors and scores from 1 to 8 assigned to each risk factor.