5 Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

By Patricia Eifert
Cardiovascular disease or CHD claims about 82,000
deaths a year in the UK, making this the number one
killer among all the diseases ending in fatalities. The
British Heart Foundation works closely with the NHS
to monitor coronary heart disease and cardiovascular
health. They warn that men carry a higher risk of
CHD, until after the age of 50, when both males and
females suffer increased health issues equally. These
comprehensive statistics estimate up to 3 million
people currently suffer heart problems and at least 2
million people experience chest pains or angina. 1 out
of 8 women and around 1 out of 5 men succumb to
this disease, with or without the presence of warning
symptoms.
Common Risk Factors
The beginning of coronary heart disease usually begins with damage to the inner layer or lining of the
arteries, allowing the buildup of plaque within the blood vessels that can begin in early childhood. This
plaque buildup can harden over time and cause vessel eruptions whilst greatly reducing the flow of
oxygen-rich blood to the heart itself as the artery gets narrower. Angina often results from the pressure,
causing pain and discomfort in the arm or leg vessels.
Blood platelets accumulate at the point of a plague eruption which can increase the risk of blood clots,
restricting the blood flow to the heart muscle even more and increasing the effect of angina. If the clots
become large enough, they could cause a cardiac attack or heart failure. Following are five more
contributing conditions that may increase the risk factors for cardiovascular disease if left unchecked.
Hypertension - Blood pressure is usually measured during every medical check-up as a way to monitor
proper heart health. Normal readings show a well functioning heart but when the blood travels with too
much force it causes high blood pressure or hypertension which can put a strain on the whole circulatory
system.
High blood glucose levels - Scientists have established a strong link between heart disease and
diabetes or insulin resistance. Cardiovascular disease resulting in stroke or heart attack has become the
single most cause of death among diabetic persons for both men and women.
Harmful addictions - Many harmful addictions including designer drugs and alcoholic beverages will
increase the risk for heart damage or disease. To minimise your risk of cancer and cardiovascular
disease smoking, even second hand smoking, needs to avoided.
High cholesterol and fats in the blood - Cholesterol is a naturally produced fatty lipid found in the liver
that aids the body with the functioning of hormone levels, the brain, nervous system and absorption of
essential vitamins. High cholesterol levels block the arteries and cause blood clots to form which lead to
stroke and heart failure.

High BMI or obesity - When there is too much abdominal fat around the waist it can lead to obesity related conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and
coronary artery disease. BMI is usually a reliable indicator of body fatness that can help describe the
health status of the body fat you have and alert your healthcare provider of increased health risks.
Common Symptoms
Along with the above factors, low levels of oestrogen in the body before or after menopause could
contribute to the outbreak of coronary microvascular disease that attacks the tiny coronary arteries. The
most common symptoms that are diagnosed as coronary disease include chest pains, tingling or
numbness to the limbs, sudden heart attacks and heart failure. Unfortunately, these symptoms may not
appear until it's too late to reduce the risk of CHD or serious cardiovascular trauma which is why most
health professionals recommend medication or lifestyle changes for those who fall under this high risk
category.
Common Treatments
The last two decades have brought about advances in treatment of heart disease that has greatly
improved the chances of a person surviving a stroke or heart attack. Aspirin intake is of utmost
importance to individuals with a high risk of heart attack or stroke. The aspirin makes the blood less sticky
and reduces the risk of blood clot formation that could lead to heart attack or stroke. Lowering
homocysteine levels through extensive use of B vitamin therapy is effective for patients suffering from
diabetic nephropathy, but it was discovered that too much of this vitamin could lead to a higher risk of
stroke and heart attack for patients without diabetes.
Healthy heart habits such as following a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can help reduce stress,
high blood pressure, weight issues and insulin or glucose levels that preclude cardiovascular disease.
The international Journal of Behavior, Nutrition and Physical Activity published an article that showed an
increased risk of contracting diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease is proportional to how long a
person sat still, which could lead to an earlier death. Preventing these risk factors for cardiovascular
disease can help extend your life or those of your loved ones!