Diseases and their development rely on risk factors, and these make some individuals more susceptible to certain illnesses than others. Risk factors can be due to genetics and, therefore, are hard to avoid.
However, depending on the disease in question, such factors can be decreased considerably. Cardiovascular disease is one such example of a group of conditions that can often be life-threatening yet can be controlled by lifestyle changes.
Simple factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress levels are all considered to increase the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. However, these can often be managed. With this in mind, what are the five biggest risk factors linked to this group of potentially life-threatening diseases?
As already mentioned, genes play an important part in the development of cardiovascular disease. Some families are far more likely to have high blood pressure or go on to develop heart disease because the risk is genetic and is passed down to generations of the same family.
Sometimes, even living healthily can be no guarantee of offsetting the consequences of a genetically inherited health risk. Genes can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and even high blood pressure.
Aside from genetic causes, another major risk factor is smoking. Smoking, both active and passive, is a well-known cause of cardiovascular disease. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the lining of the arteries over time, leading to atherosclerosis or the build-up of fatty plaques.
This can affect the blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. Furthermore, smoking decreases the levels of good cholesterol and promotes the formation of blood clots, further exacerbating the risk.
Diet plays an important role in overall heart health. A diet that includes an excessive amount of saturated and trans fats, sugar, and salt increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
These unhealthy dietary habits can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, too. Such diets promote weight gain that can lead to obesity. Being overweight can place further strain on the heart.
However, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help protect against heart disease and promote general good health and well-being.
A lack of physical exercise is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, and reduces stress — all important factors in preventing heart disease.
However, an inactive lifestyle increases the risk of becoming obese, developing high blood pressure, and diabetes, which are all major contributors to cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called a silent killer, as it can cause few symptoms in certain individuals, which means that no treatment is undertaken. This can often leave the condition uncontrolled, leading to serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
Hypertension places extra strain on the heart, causing it to work harder, and this increases the risk of damage to the blood vessels.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure is important, and if it is elevated, lifestyle changes and medication may be necessary.
Adopting a heart-healthy diet can prevent some cardiovascular diseases. Along with reducing sodium intake and saturated fat intake, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol consumption can all help manage hypertension and promote good cardiovascular health.
In some cases, high blood pressure may persist in individuals even after certain lifestyle changes have been put into place. For these cases, medication may be required to control blood pressure effectively, along with healthy lifestyle habits.