Common Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease: Top Risk Factors Explained

Cardiovascular Disease, or CVD, is one of the primary causes of death globally. It accounts for a lot of lives lost every year. In spite of the advancements made in the diagnosis and treatment of Cardiovascular disease, it still continues to grow. Hence, it is important to understand the common risk factors associated with it to improve its long-term health outcomes.

Top Risk Factors that Contribute to Cardiovascular Disease

Here is a list of some of the top risk factors which cause Cardiovascular disease in individuals globally:

●  Unhealthy Diet

A poor diet is also one of the primary contributors to cardiovascular disease. Having diets with high trans fats, saturated fats, sodium, cholesterol, and added sugars can lead to a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This condition is known as Atherosclerosis. It causes a narrowing and hardening of arteries, which ultimately restricts proper blood flow and leads to a stroke or an attack.

●  Sedentary Lifestyle

This is another major risk factor, as a lifestyle with little to no physical activity can lead to obesity, higher blood pressure, and stress and ultimately cause coronary heart failure. In order to counter this, one needs to lead an active lifestyle by daily exercising to improve the health of their heart.

●  Usage of Tobacco

Tobacco and smoke contain chemicals which cause damage to the heart and blood vessels. It also reduces oxygen in the blood and raises blood pressure. An active habit of smoking increases the risk of heart disease by three to four times compared to non-smoking individuals. 

●  High Blood Pressure

This is also known as the ‘silent killer’. It might have no physical symptoms but causes a significant amount of damage to the heart gradually over a period of time. It forces the heart to pump forcefully, which can lead to heart failure or a heart attack. 

●  Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

Diabetes, particularly one which is Type 2, greatly increases the risk of Cardiovascular disease. Having higher blood sugar levels causes damage to the nerves and blood vessels which control the heart. People who have diabetes are more likely to get cardiovascular disease as they are at a higher risk than those who do not.

●  High Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. While the body requires cholesterol to function, too much bad cholesterol causes harm. Instead, having good cholesterol (HDL) helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

●  Obesity

Having an excess of body fat, especially around the area of the abdomen, leads to an increase in the risk of contracting heart disease, stroke and other types of metabolic conditions. Being obese is associated with having high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Both of which are bad for the health of the heart.

●  Excessive Alcohol Intake

While a moderate intake of alcohol offers some form of heart benefits, an excessive drinking habit can cause harm to the heart. It can contribute to heart failure and cardiovascular disease and also lead to arrhythmias.

●  Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can also affect the heart both directly and indirectly. There are stress hormones like cortisol, which increase pressure in the blood and cause inflammation. Moreover, people who are under stress are very likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours like overeating, smoking and excessive drinking. All of these cause harm to heart health.

●  Family History and Genetics

Genetics plays a vital role in Cardiovascular risk. Having a history of family members with heart disease increases the probability of an individual also contracting heart disease. While genetic predispositions are unchangeable, lifestyle choices can be modified to improve heart health and reduce the risk of getting Cardiovascular disease. 

While risks such as age, genetics and family history are unavoidable, there are other lifestyle choices you can change to avoid cardiovascular disease. By adopting heart-healthy habits, you can manage and significantly reduce your chances of getting cardiovascular disease and live a healthy and longer life.