Beyond cholesterol: seven hidden heart-risk factors doctors check
Heart attack risk isn’t determined by cholesterol alone. Doctors emphasize the broader metabolic picture—blood pressure, blood sugar, abdominal obesity, physical activity, sleep, and family history—to assess risk. Some important markers not in routine lipid tests, like lipoprotein(a) and ApoB, can provide a clearer view of atherogenic risk, and coronary artery calcium scoring via CT can reveal existing plaque in selected individuals. Even with normal cholesterol, symptoms such as chest discomfort or breathlessness should be evaluated. The goal is to identify the right risk factors for each person and intervene early, recognizing that heart health is a mix of factors rather than a single number.
