Modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular disease

It may seem that cardiovascular diseases are beyond our control. The truth is that risk factors and lifestyle habits influence the likelihood of having a cardiovascular disease.

‍

While we can modify some risk factors, others are beyond our control. We need to understand the risk of a heart attack and take steps to improve heart health through informed choices or preventive measures. It is our awareness that helps us to keep our hearts strong. Gauze here highlights the modifiable factors associated with cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.

‍

Know the risk

Risk factors are health conditions, lifestyle, age, and family history. The risk factors can be classified as modifiable and non-modifiable causes of disease.

‍

The non-modifiable risk factors are

• Age (Increases with age).
• Gender (Men are more prone than women).
• Family history (Genetics favors it).

‍

The modifiable risk factors are

• Physical activity levels.
• Consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
• Medications.
• Diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Obesity.

‍

Conditions that raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Key risk factors for heart disease include:-

‍

High blood pressure

It is a major risk factor and is called a silent killer, as it shows no symptoms.

• It is a medical condition that occurs when the pressure with which the blood flows in the arteries is too high.
• High blood pressure increases the workload on the heart, causing it to enlarge and weaken over time.
• It affects the kidneys and the brain.
• Blood pressure can be reduced with lifestyle changes or medicines.

‍

High blood cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance made by the liver and also found in some foods.

‍

Excess cholesterol in the body is deposited in the walls of arteries- narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys, and other vital organs.

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is bad cholesterol, as it helps in plaque formation in the arteries
• HDL (High-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is good cholesterol, as higher levels protect against heart disease

‍

A simple blood test, such as a lipid profile, measures cholesterol levels.

‍

Diabetes

Glucose is the body’s fuel for the brain and muscles. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, enables cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy. In diabetes, it is impaired, leading to increased blood sugar levels that damage the heart and blood vessels.

• Diabetes often occurs with high blood pressure.
• High levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides cause plaque buildup and the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• People with abdominal fat are more likely to have type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance, even if they do not have other risk factors.

‍

The disturbances in the cellular activities cause damage that may develop in several ways.

‍

Mechanism of damage

• Excess glucose in the blood damages the lining of the blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart and blood vessels
• It promotes the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which restricts the blood flow
• Diabetes increases cell damage and causes low-grade inflammation, which contributes to the formation of plaque and damage to the vessel wall.

‍

Obesity

It is the excess body fat often associated with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It leads to high blood pressure and diabetes.

‍

Increased weight places a greater workload on the heart and increases blood pressure.

‍

Behaviours increasing the cardiac risk

Our lifestyle determines the cardiac risk. Sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, and habits increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

‍

Smoking

Smokers are twice as susceptible to cardiovascular diseases or heart attacks as nonsmokers.

‍

Cigarettes are considered to pose a greater cardiovascular risk than cigars or pipes, not because they are safe but because cigarette smoking is more prevalent and has been extensively studied.

‍

Cigarettes, pipes, and cigars contain tobacco, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases by

• Damaging blood vessels
• Increasing clot formation risk
• Raising blood pressure
• Reducing the amount of oxygen reaching the blood tissues

‍

Differences in tobacco types matter

• Cigarettes 
  
  • They have a clear and significant increase in cardiovascular disease risk.
• Pipes and cigars
  
  • Inhalation habits matter: If the smoke is not inhaled deeply, nicotine and tobacco can still be absorbed through the oral mucosa. Regular use, even without inhalation, can cause cardiovascular risk.
  • Risk can be variable: It depends upon the frequency and duration of use
  • Product differences: Premium cigars contain more tobacco with a high pH that causes increased nicotine absorption and risk
• Hookah (water pipe)
  
  • It is detrimental to the cardiovascular system
• Second-hand tobacco smoke 
  
  • It increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Nicotine uptake is affected by

• Tobacco type and curing method.
• Combustion temperature.
• Duration of exposure.
• Contact with oral or pulmonary mucosa.

‍

Quitting smoking, irrespective of how long you have smoked, improves health and reduces the risk of heart disease.

‍

Consuming alcohol

Consumption of alcohol leads to cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and stroke.

‍

Studies suggest that alcohol, when taken in small quantities, is not beneficial for heart health; instead, it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

‍

• Cardiomyopathy and heart failure
  
  • Heavy drinking can lead to weakened heart muscles, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.

• High blood pressure
  
  • Alcohol consumption increases blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Arrhythmia
  
  • It causes abnormal heart rhythms

• Stroke
  
  • Large quantities, when consumed, are linked to both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.

‍

Physical activity

A sedentary lifestyle adds to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It adds to the risk factors of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

‍

Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to promote health and well-being.

• Intense activity makes the heart rate go up, making breathing heavy
• Moderate activity makes the heart rate go up without feeling breathless

‍

Adults should aim for 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity each week, or between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes of intense activity, on most days of the week.

‍

30 to 45 minutes, five days a week, helps improve overall health.

‍

Some exercise is better than none, and light to moderate exercise is safe for most people.

‍

Healthy diet

A healthy diet can help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It includes

• Fruits and vegetables
• Beans and legumes
• Lean meat and fish
• Healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado
• Whole grains
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy products

‍

The Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) are the preferred diets. These diets advise taking reduced-

• Salt and high-sodium food 
• Sugars and sweetened beverages
• Refined carbohydrates
• Alcohol consumption
• Highly processed food intake
• Saturated fat, such as palm oil and coconut oil
• Trans-fat from fast foods

‍

Manage stress

Engaging in mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or hobbies for relaxation can have a positive impact on cardiac health.

‍

Taking control of your cardiovascular health

Making small lifestyle changes helps protect our hearts. These are

• Quit smoking
• Take a healthy diet
• Remain physically active
• Managing stress
• Get regular checkups

‍

Conclusion

Some risk factors for cardiovascular disease are beyond our control, while others can be managed through lifestyle changes. Focusing on modifiable factors helps protect our hearts against the risk of cardiovascular disease. To live a healthy life, with a healthy heart, we must begin today.