Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases Explained

Non-Communicable Diseases: Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies

Non-communicable disease, or NCD, is a non-contagious condition that does not spread from person to person. However, it affects a person on a long-term basis and often occurs due to a combination of physiological, environmental, behavioural factors and genetic reasons. 

Characteristics of Non-Communicable Diseases

Let us first understand the nature of NCDs:

1.Chronic and Long-Lasting

These conditions are long-term and require extensive care and management to reduce their impact. The patient often needs to visit medical experts for consultations, medication updates, and other necessary care.

2.Non-Contagious

NCD does not transfer from coming in contact with an infected person. The patient does not suffer from any contagious infection, which means that co-existing in society with others does not pose any potential risk to their well-being.

3.Leading Cause of Death

Based on the records, a leading cause of death is NCD because they are chronic and are often induced by lifestyle habits or age. This disease leads to severe health issues that can cause organ failure or even premature death.

Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases

Let us discuss the risk factors that are associated with the NCD in detail.

1.Relation to Environment and Lifestyle

Lifestyle choice and the environment in which an individual resides is a huge risk factor. This means being exposed to extreme air or water pollution, exposure to chemicals, and unhealthy food habits. All of these are responsible for developing inflammation leading to NCD.

2.Tobacco Usage

It is one of the major risk factors for NCD wherein the individual consuming tobacco has a high chance of developing cardiovascular disorder, breathing issues or cancer. It contributes to premature death, and its treatment imposes a high economic burden.

3.Lack of Physical Activity

Lack of physical activity increases the risk of NCD because it contributes to metabolism-related issues. Physical inactivity often causes obesity or increases levels of blood pressure.

4.Alcoholism

Excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of developing NCDs. It exposes individuals to the risks of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and liver disease. There is also an increase in risks related to behavioural or mental disorders. 

5.Unhealthy Diet

Having a balanced diet that comprises the right amount of proteins, nutrients, fats and so on is helpful for the body to develop. However, if an individual has unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt and is low in fruits and vegetables, it causes obesity and high blood pressure. There is also a probability of fluctuation in sugar levels.

Common Non-communicable Disease

There are many NCDs, but there are four main types of NCD: chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Let us read further to know about each: 

1.Chronic Respiratory Disease

A person suffering from this chronic disorder has ailments affecting lung and airway structure. Under certain circumstances, it can be due to genetic history. However, one can develop it due to lifestyle habits such as smoking or environmental exposure to chemicals, poor air quality, or poor ventilation.

2.Cardiovascular Disease

Having an unhealthy diet and a lack of physical activity increases the chances of higher blood pressure, blood glucose, or obesity. An increase in these factors develops the risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Some of the common cardiovascular diseases are heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease and so on.   

 
3.Cancer

It is the second most common NCD across the globe, and it happens irrespective of socioeconomic conditions, gender and ethnicity. However, some cancers are not preventable due to genetic history. Men tend to die the most due to prostate cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer. Whereas, in the case of women, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and stomach cancer are the most fatal.

4.Diabetes

This NCD happens when the body is incapable of producing enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. Diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney damage. When the body fails to produce insulin, diabetes can cause serious damage to various organs, potentially leading to organ failure.

According to the WHO, NCDs are a major global health concern. However, there are preventative measures as well, such as abstaining from tobacco, moderate alcohol consumption, having a healthy diet and working out regularly.