Major Modifiable Risk Factors (You Can Control)

 

The risk factors for heart disease include both modifiable (things you can change) and non-modifiable (things you can't change) factors. Here's a breakdown:

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🔴 Major Modifiable Risk Factors (You Can Control)

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
   – Damages artery walls and increases heart workload

2. High Cholesterol (especially LDL)
   – Leads to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis)

3. Smoking
   – Narrows blood vessels, reduces oxygen, increases clot risk

4. Poor Diet
   – High in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and sugar

5. Physical Inactivity
   – Increases risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and poor circulation

6. Obesity or Overweight
   – Puts extra strain on the heart and increases other risk factors

7. Diabetes (especially Type 2)
   – High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves

8. Excessive Alcohol Use
   – Raises blood pressure and contributes to irregular heartbeat

9. Chronic Stress
   – Can lead to unhealthy coping habits and high cortisol levels

10. Poor Sleep Quality or Sleep Apnea
    – Disrupts normal heart function and recovery

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🟠 Emerging or Contributing Risk Factors

11. Inflammation (measured by CRP levels)

12. High Triglycerides

13. Metabolic Syndrome

14. Sedentary Lifestyle (sitting too much)

15. Poor Oral Health

16. Air Pollution Exposure

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⚪ Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (You Can’t Change)

17. Age – Risk increases after age 45 (men) and 55 (women)

18. Family History of Heart Disease

19. Gender – Men are generally at higher risk earlier; women’s risk rises after menopause

20. Ethnicity – Certain groups (e.g., African American, Hispanic, South Asian) may have higher risk due to genetics and other factors