What factor significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease when assessing this specific client?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease because it contributes to the damage of the arteries and heart over time. Elevated blood pressure forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to the development of atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries). This narrowing and hardening of the arteries can restrict blood flow to the heart, increasing the likelihood of heart-related complications such as heart attacks and heart failure.

Research illustrates that individuals with hypertension have a markedly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those with normal blood pressure levels. This makes managing blood pressure a critical aspect of preventing cardiovascular diseases.

While gender, age, and family history are indeed important factors in assessing coronary heart disease risk, hypertension has a direct and immediate impact on cardiovascular health, making it a particularly critical factor in the context of this question.