Heart Disease Risk Factors
Some conditions as well as some lifestyle factors can put people at a
higher risk for developing heart disease. In principle, all persons can take steps to
lower their risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing these risk
factors. Control of risk factors is especially need by people who already have heart disease.
Conditions
Blood Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver or consumed in certain
foods. It is needed by the
body, and the liver makes enough for the body's needs. When there is too
much cholesterol in the body—because of diet and the rate at which the
cholesterol is processed—it is deposited in arteries, including those of the
heart. This can lead to narrowing of the arteries, heart disease, and other
complications. Some cholesterol is often termed "good," and some often
termed "bad." A higher level of high–density lipoprotein
cholesterol, or HDL, is considered "good," and gives some protection against
heart disease. Higher levels of low–density
lipoprotein, or LDL, are considered "bad" and can lead to heart disease. A lipoprotein profile can be
done to measure several different forms of cholesterol, as well as
triglycerides (another kind of fat) in the blood.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is another major risk factor for heart disease. It is a
condition where the pressure of the blood in the arteries is too high. There
are often no symptoms to signal high blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure
by changes in lifestyle or by medication can lower the risk of heart disease
and heart attack. Diabetes
Mellitus
Diabetes also increases a person's risk for heart
disease. With diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin, can't
use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. This causes sugars to
build up in the blood. About three–quarters of people with diabetes die of
some form of heart or blood vessel disease. For people with diabetes, it is
important to work with a healthcare provider to help in managing it and
controlling other risk factors.
Behavioral Factors
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Cigarette smoking promotes atherosclerosis and increases the levels of
blood clotting factors, such as fibrinogen. Also, nicotine raises blood
pressure, and carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen that blood can
carry. Exposure to other people's smoke can increase the risk of
heart disease even for nonsmokers. Diet
Several aspects of peoples' dietary patterns have been linked to heart disease and related
conditions. These include diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol,
which raise blood cholesterol levels and promote atherosclerosis. High
salt or sodium in the diet causes raised blood pressure levels. Physical
Inactivity
Physical inactivity is related to the development of heart
disease. It also can impact other risk factors, including obesity, high
blood pressure, high triglycerides, a low level of HDL (good) cholesterol,
and diabetes. Regular physical activity can improve risk factor levels. Obesity
Obesity is excess body fat. It is linked to higher LDL (bad) cholesterol and
triglyceride levels and to lower HDL (good) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol use leads to an increase in blood pressure,
and increases the risk for heart disease. It also increases blood levels of triglycerides
which contributes to atherosclerosis.
Other Factors
Heredity
Heart disease can run in the family. Genetic factors likely play some role
in high blood pressure, heart disease, and other vascular conditions.
However, it is also likely that people with a family history of heart
disease share common environments and risk factors that increase their risk.
Page last reviewed: November 15, 2007
Page last modified: November 15, 2007
Content source: Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion
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