Modifiable Risk Factors of Heart Disease

HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL
Recognized as one of the first three risk factors leading to heart disease. A fat particle with a complex structure, if present in more than adequate quantity in blood gets deposited to create blockages. A diet rich in cholesterol source is a major culprit.
HIGH BLOOD TRIGLYCERIDES
Increased level of Triglycerides or fat in food is another factor for heart disease. A level of 160 mg/100ml is associated with increased incidence.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
A “silent killer”, High Blood pressure puts an extra strain on the heart and is also a major cause for deposition of cholesterol and fat in the coronary arteries.
OBESITY
Lack of physical exercise wrong food habits will make a person obese and increases their chances of getting a heart disease.
STRESS AND MENTAL TENSION
Psychological stress is recognized as most important risk factor for heart disease. In absence of other risk factors people can still have angina, if stress is not controlled as it leads to spasm of coronary arteries.
SEDENTARY LIFE STYLE
Modern mechanization makes everything available easily, as a result physical activity of people is almost nil which predisposes them to many disease.
INTAKE OF ALCOHOL
Alcohol owing to it’s structural similarity with glycerol is associated with major risk. It is a source of empty calories and leads to diseases of liver, gastritis etc.
LOW HDL CHOLESTEROL
HDL also called “good cholesterol “ can be another factor for CHD as it binds cholesterol and remove it from blockages.
SMOKING OR TOBACOO CONSUMPTION
Smoking or Tobacco Consumption studies have p roved that smoking substantially increases the risk of heart attack. Consuming tobacco in any form is equally hazardous as both are bad for health.
DIABETES MELLITUS
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels associated with obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are responsible for CHD.