Risk factors for heart disease

The risk factors for developing heart disease are quite similar, regardless of the type of heart disease. While some risk factors are hereditary, some of the most serious risk factors for heart disease are behavioural and manifest in individuals as raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose or overweight and obesity. Risk factors for developing heart disease include:

High blood pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to thickening of the arteries, narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow, resulting in atherosclerosis.

High salt diet

Poor diet is one of the leading risks for heart disease, particularly diets that are high in fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol.

Smoking

Smoking damages the lining of the arteries, leading to a plaque build-up which constricts the blood vessels.

High cholesterol

High blood cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

Family history

A family history of heart disease increases an individuals risk developing heart disease, particularly if a parent developed it at a young age.

Overweight and Obesity

People who are overweight are more likely to develop hypertension and type-2 diabetes, putting them at higher risk of developing heart disease.

Gender

Men are generally at higher risk of heart disease. However, women’s risk increases after the menopause.

Stress

The links between stress and heart disease are still being explored, however stress is thought to affect behaviours which increase heart disease risk: high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating.

Diabetes

People with diabetes tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than people without diabetes. Diabetes sufferers are at higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, increasing their risk for heart disease.

Lack of exercise

People who are physically inactive are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure, overweight and obesity and diabetes. All of which are independent risk factors for developing heart disease.

Alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to raised blood pressure and obesity, increasing heart disease risk.

Age

Increasing age raises the risk of damaged and narrowed arteries.

Heart disease and ischemic stroke share the same risk factors. A stroke occurs when the arteries to the brain are narrowed or blocked, preventing blood from reaching the brain. Therefore, an individual who is diagnosed with one of these conditions has increased risk of having or developing the other.