Cholesterol's importance shouldn't take your focus off other risk factors for heart disease, say experts. Some, like obesity and family history, can be readily identified. You can track others, listed below, with the help of your doctor.

Risk Factor: Inflammation
What to Know
Chronic, low-level inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis (and other conditions).

Consider This
Ask your doctor if a C-reactive protein test, which reveals inflammation levels, is right for you.

Risk Factor: Homocysteine
What to Know
Too much homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood, may increase risk.
Consider This
A blood test can measure homocysteine levels. If yours is high, adding B vitamins to your diet may help. Discuss with your doctor.

Risk Factor: High Blood Pressure
What to Know
A third of adults have high blood pressure (above 120/80 mm Hg). Even small decreases can reduce heart-disease risk by more than 10 percent.
Consider This
Keep track of your blood pressure. Limit sodium and alcohol, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.

Risk Factor: Insulin Resistance
What to Know
People with this prediabetic condition, marked by elevated blood sugar levels, face a greater risk of heart disease.
Consider This
Ask your physician which blood sugar tests make sense for you. Control your blood sugar levels through diet and exercise.

Risk Factor: Trigylcerides
What to Know
The latest news is that elevated nonfasting levels of these fats may best assess risk.
Consider This
A standard lipid test measures triglyceride levels. Limit alcohol, sugar, and unhealthy fats; exercise regularly; and maintain a healthy weight.