Risk Factors

Risk factors are the factors that increase the chances of developing a disease condition. Heart diseases are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. These risk factors may be the lifestyle habits or other underlying disease conditions that pose the risk of an individual developing a cardiovascular disease. The chances of developing a disease condition increases with presence of more numbers of risk factors and/or with higher the level of each risk factor. The risk factors are of two types, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

Modifiable risk factors

These are the risk factors that can be modified, treated or controlled. The modifiable risk factors of heart diseases include:

  • Smoking
    Tobacco use is one of the most important risk factors you can change. Smoking damages your arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart and brain, which leads to stroke and heart disease. If you've tried—and failed— to stop smoking in the past, talk to your doctor. Newer, more effective programs and medications can make quitting easier. We can help you quit.

  • High blood cholesterol
    Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition that narrows the arteries leading to the heart, brain and other organs. You can lower your cholesterol by limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly. Many people also need medication to control their cholesterol levels.
  • High blood pressure
    Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease. The condition can be controlled to some extent with weight loss, exercise, stress management and diet. When these aren't enough, medication can help blood pressure return to a healthy range.
  • Sedentary lifestyle/reduced physical activity
    For healthy adults, the American Heart Association recommends 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on most days. Exercise plays a major role in improving cardiovascular health by helping to manage obesity, diabetes, stress and high blood pressure.
  • Obesity and overweight
    Excess weight puts you at risk for many health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Modest weight loss— 10 to 20 pounds—can help to lower this risk. Try to reach a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating smaller portions—not crash dieting.
  • Diabetes
    People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Diabetics often have additional risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Following your diet, controlling your weight and getting regular exercise are essential. So is maintaining normal glucose levels—a process that may require medication if exercise and diet aren't sufficient.
  • Unhealthy diet
     

Non-modifiable risk factors

These include those that cannot be modified, treated or controlled. They are:

  • Increasing age
  • Gender (more in males)
  • Family history

Additional Factors

In addition to the above, some other factors that are considered to increase the risk of heart disease in an individual include:

  • Sleep apnea
  • Elevated C-reactive protein – a marker of inflammation
  • Elevated homocysteine – a building block of proteins in the body
  • Increased fibrinogen – a protein associated with blood clot
  • Lipoprotein (a) – a substance formed when low-density lipoproteins binds to a protein, interferes in the body’s ability of dissolving the blood clots