Health A-Z Ask the Expert: Heart Disease Risk Factors By Team Verywell Health Updated on November 14, 2022 Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Fact checked by Nick Blackmer LinkedIn Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years’ experience in consumer-oriented health and wellness content. Learn about our editorial process Print These experts participated in our Health Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series. Gladys Velarde, M.D. Julie Bang / Verywell Dr. Velarde is a member of the American College of Cardiology Prevention, Disparities of Care Work Group, and on the CardioSmart.org editorial board. Dr. Velarde's clinical interests include heart disease in women and other populations along with preventive care. Dr. Velarde answered the following questions in this Health Divide on heart disease risk factors: What lifestyle actions should people take to improve their heart health? When should prescription drug intervention be considered to help prevent heart disease? Is it ever too late to start preventive care for heart disease? What heart disease risk factors should people be aware of? How can you encourage a loved one to start preventive care? Jessica Shepherd MD, MBA, FACOG Xiaoyu Liu / Verywell Dr. Shepherd is a board-certified OB-GYN and the Chief Medical Officer for Verywell Health. She is the founder and CEO of Sanctum Med + Wellness, a wellness concierge practice, and is affiliated with Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Shepherd answered the following questions in this Health Divide on heart disease risk factors: Will losing weight lower my heart disease risk? What are the first steps I should take to address my risk for heart disease? How can someone determine their risk of heart disease? How does stress impact heart disease risk? See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit