The risks for heart disease are many, but relate mostly to family history, age, health, and lifestyle factors. Several accurate calculators exist that help health care professionals and patients calculate and understand risk. Many of these risk factors are modifiable, so the patient can take steps to lower his risk. Heart disease risk is possible to predict; this statement is false. Although genetics play a part in the risk for heart disease, there are many modifiable risk factors that can be discussed. The patient is at an age where heart disease risk becomes more significant with each year; now is the appropriate time to discuss risk factors and how to modify them.