What are the Risk Factors for Heart Disease?

Understanding Heart Disease: What Increases Your Risk?

Heart disease is considered to be one of the leading causes of death globally. It claims millions of lives each year. There is a vast range of conditions that affect the heart, including arrhythmias, heart failure and coronary artery disease. To protect your heart health, you must know the risk factors associated with heart disease. 

Common Risk Factors of Getting Heart Disease

Several factors increase the potential of an individual getting heart disease. They can be either modifiable or non-modifiable. The former are the factors people can change, and the latter are certain factors individuals cannot change. Here is an overview of all the common risk factors associated with heart disease:

●  Age

As a person grows older, the chance of getting a heart attack increases. It is because, as a person ages, their heart and blood vessels undergo changes related to age-related factors. For instance, it can cause stiffening of arteries and a natural buildup of plaque. 

●  Family History and Genetics

Having a family member develop heart disease early in their life (before 65 years in women or 55 years in men) puts an individual at risk of also developing it. This is due to shared genetics. Having the same genetics can influence conditions like high cholesterol levels, higher blood pressure, and a tendency to develop heart disease.

●  Gender

According to research, men have a higher risk of developing heart disease than women. However, the risk of women getting heart disease increases exponentially after their menopause.

●  High Cholesterol

High cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) leads to plaque buildup in the arteries. This restricts blood flow and increases the risk of getting a heart attack. By maintaining healthy levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol, one can retain a healthy heart.

●  High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension generally has no symptoms, but it can cause a heart attack in people over time. It is important to get it checked and manage it through exercise, medication and a proper diet. 

●  Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle with little to no exercise can negatively affect heart health. It also increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.

●  Diabetes

High blood sugar levels also cause damage to blood vessels and the nerves which control the heart. People who have diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes, have a higher risk of contracting heart disease. 

●  Substance Abuse

Excessive smoking habits and higher alcohol intake also lead to an increased risk of heart disease. By curbing such habits, one can improve their heart health.

●  Overweight and Obesity

An excess body weight, specifically around the abdomen, increases the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Hence, proper lifestyle choices and diet are needed to curb them.

●  Chronic Stress

Having long-term stress can lead to behaviours which increase heart risk. A few examples of such behaviours are smoking, not exercising, overeating, etc. Generally, stress hormones negatively impact heart health.

●  Improper Sleep Habits

Having sleep disorders like sleep apnea or chronic sleep deprivation can also lead to an increased risk of heart disease. They also lead to an individual getting diabetes, pressure and obesity, all of which are again factors that lead to heart disease.

While certain risk factors are beyond our control, the remaining are preventable or manageable with changed habits and lifestyle choices. By understanding and addressing the risks related to heart health, you can protect your health and live a longer life.