Non-modifiable risk factors
Ageing
Getting old is one of the biggest risk factor which cannot be dealt with. As we age, risk of cardiac diseases increases manifold.
Family History
A family history of cardiovascular disease makes you prone towards it.
Gender
Men are at greater risk of heart disease than a pre-menopausal woman. Post menopause, the risk for both becomes similar
Ethnicity
African and Asians are at higher risks of developing cardiac disease than other racial groups.
Modifiable risk factors
Hypertension
High blood pressure plays a significant role in heart attacks and thankfully it can be prevented and successfully treated if diagnosed at early and managed properly.
Cholesterol
High total cholesterol and low HDL or good cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease.
Smoking or tobacco use
Both of these increases risks of cardiac disease. Long term passive smoking is also a risk factor.
Physical inactivity
Not moving around too much and as a result gaining weight increase the risk of heart disease. Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes and diabetes in turn is a big risk factor for heart diseases.
Diet
High saturated fat diet increases the risk of heart disease.
Alcohol
Binge drinking or excessive consumption of alcohol will damage the heart muscle.
Medication
Certain drugs such as the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of heart disease.
