Cardiac risk factors of smoking, hypertension, obesity and family history: a review of the literature.

This review of the literature focuses on risk factors of smoking, hypertension, obesity, and family history that are associated with the development of coronary heart disease. The prevalence of these cardiac risk factors are incorporated from several Canadian health surveys. Health professionals in cardiovascular settings can use the information to develop cardiac teaching programs to promote awareness and healthy cardiac practices in the Canadian population.