Moderate risk

[mevrick]

Can anyone tell me what it means to be at moderate risk for developing heart disease? My doctor told me I'm at moderate risk of developing the disease but he never said what that means. Does that mean there's a good chance I'll have a heart attack or what exactly does that mean??  Just a side note, I'm 37, male, have slightly high cholesterol (which I'm not on medicine for) and hypertension which I'm on medication for, also have a family history of heart disease. Are there certain heart tests I should be having on a regular basis? Thank you.

[ed34]

In all honesty, probably most of the population of developed countries is at moderate to high risk of developing heart disease. It's something which is on the increase and has yet to be put under control. it's all about our terrible lifestyles, not knowing really what we are feeding into our body. I just watched an interesting documentary here in the UK which looked into healthy energy boost drinks. Millions of people are now going to the gym every day, thinking they are improving their health. They are all drinking the energy drinks promoted by top athletes and yet wonder why they are not losing weight. Many are still gaining. Independent studies carried out by the program found that the carbs in those drinks are salt and sugar. LOTS of sugar. They interviewed a UK athlete cyclist who broke 4 world records, he hates those drinks. To get the energy he requires, he eats lots of fruit for 'natural' sugar and wholemeal bread. Until we are protected from food companies, we will continue to be poisoned, that's my opinion.

[Flycaster305]

Great question, in my opinion.
I'm not a health professional, but have read several dozen procedure reports for various heart problems I've had, and I noted a 'Dr. Speak' language to report risk factors for cholesterol, valve, heart muscle issues...
Here's what I think: Trivial suggests the condition exists, but probably also exists in most of the adult population, and not a bit of a worry.  Mild suggests a bit of concern is expressed but it's a minor condition.  Moderate is when my ears pick up, it suggests there could be a problem coming and the condition should be watched.  Severe and Very Severe usually indicates an intervention is required for survival.  
In your case, I'm guessing that the slightly high cholesterol level is a risk factor, hypertension is indeed a risk factor, family history of heart disease is very much a risk factor.  You didn't mention, but your exercise pattern, smoking history, BMI, diabetes, dietary habits and stress levels all factor in as well.  However, you have three definite  risk factors.
I'd suggest you read up on risk factors for heart disease, and work to correct any obvious risks.  For example, if you smoke, stop.  If you don't exercise, walk at least 1/2 hour a day at a fast pace.  I'd want a physical  once a year complete with complete blood tests.  
When I was about 40 I was warned I had risk factors, but totally blew them off until my heart attack in my 50's.  I'm over 70 years old now and still standing, I've had three heart attacks, a pacemaker inserted, eight stents and triple bypass surgery.  Had I listened to my doctor when I first heard the word 'Moderate', I could have avoided a lot of grief.  The fact that you are asking suggests you are on the right track.

[erijon]

Try this link to a calculator for heart disease and see what it says;

http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/atpiii/calculator.asp

This is based on information gathered from the Framingham study since the 1940's. To put it in perspective, my risk is 4% over the next 10 years which is considered low risk as the average risk for people in my age group is 11%.

Plug in your data and see how it compares to what your doctor said. If you are a moderate risk, you may want to have a stress test every couple years, but ask your doctor.

Jon