Modifiable, Non-modifiable Risk Factors And Prevention Of Heart Attack
Modifiable, Non-modifiable Risk Factors And Prevention Of Heart Attack
Introduction
There are major modifiable risk factors that affect the certainty of a heart attack in people. Similarly, there are non-modifiable risk factors that also contribute to the certainty of a heart attack. Let’s understand what modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and prevention means. This will also show how you can work out the best options to reduce your future risk of a heart attack.
What are cardiovascular disease risk factors?
The risk factors for cardiovascular disease are broadly divided into modifiable risk factors and non-modifiable risk factors. Details about these two categories follow in subsequent sections. The overall risk factors and prevention belonging to both categories include the following:
- People who are addicted to smoking are at high risk of ending up with cardiovascular diseases.
- If your lifestyle is sedentary and you do not have adequate exercise, that could also be a risk factor. This happens by gradually developing into conditions that contribute to heart disease risk.
- Poor diet is a contributing factor as this either aggravates some conditions, or could cause some conditions that contribute to heart attack risk. For example, your diet may slowly lead to diabetes, high cholesterol or hypertension, and these are all conditions that contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
- If you are overweight, this could be a reason for developing certain conditions like cholesterol or diabetes or hypertension. This will then contribute to heart attack risk.
- High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the leading causes for many conditions. Cardiovascular disease risk is high if your blood pressure is not contained or controlled.
- Cholesterol is a leading cause for cardiovascular diseases. If you have high LDL or low HDL cholesterol levels, this could result in possible blockages in the arteries. This is part of risk factors and prevention is crucial.
- Family history is also a contributing factor for cardiovascular disease risk. Certain inherited conditions, can increase your risk of heart disease or other cardiovascular disease.
- Congenital conditions are a reason for cardiovascular disease. If you are born with certain genetic mutations or changes, this may put you at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Advancing age is another contributing factor for cardiovascular disease.
What are the modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular disease?
Modifiable risk factors refer to conditions that can be changed to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. This change could vary depending on the factor and could impact accordingly. For instance, your weight is a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease and this can be changed by reducing your risk. Similarly, conditions like high cholesterol levels, hypertension, smoking are also risk factors and prevention is vital.
Sedentary lifestyle, smoking and drinking are also modifiable risk factors. By making specific changes, you can considerably reduce the risk from these factors. The highlight of thee changes is the fact that heart attack or some cardiovascular diseases are due to a combination of multiple factors. By reducing the risks from these reasons, the overall risk will greatly reduce.
Following risk factors can be controlled to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease
You can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack by tackling controllable risk factors, after a proper screening. Controllable risk factors of heart disease include the following:
- Check and modify your diet – One of the best health benefits is the right diet. Consume less red meat and fatty foods, and ensure that better intake of vegetables, fish, chicken. Choose non-animal protein sources to reduce your risk of specific conditions.
- When your diet contains too much of fat, this causes fatty deposits in your arteries. Over a period of time, this hardens and results in blockages. Choose a plant-based, diet that is low in fat to tackle possible chronic conditions.
- High blood pressure – This can cause damage to your arteries, exposing you to risk of heart disease. Periodically check your blood pressure and follow recommendations apart from prescribed medications.
- Cholesterol – This needs to be checked and treated on time. Left untreated, this slowly develops into one of the serious risk factors and prevention could save you from cardiovascular disease. Treatment c=includes lifestyle changes, medications, and dietary changes, explained in point 1 above.
- Smoking and drinking – These are factors that contribute to heart disease. The best option is to fully stop smoking and drinking. Smoking is a reason for multiple conditions, including build-up of fatty substances in arteries, causing atherosclerosis. Drinking is another contributing factor for heart disease. While complete cessation is the best approach, for some people it may be challenging.
- Obesity is known to be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This is because obesity will increase your blood triglyceride, cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels. Hypertension and diabetes increase your risk of heart disease.
How to prevent cardiovascular disease?
Prevention of cardiovascular disease requires a multi-pronged approach. The right approach will reduce your risk of lifetime or future heart attack or cardiovascular risk significantly. This can also prevent your risk of any cardiovascular disease in the future. Your approach should comprise clinical testing, genetic testing, medications, lifestyle changes and surgical procedures, as outlined below.
Clinical testing – Undergo clinical tests periodically to check for blood pressure, cholesterol and hypertension. You should also go in for a ApoB test. Depending on the results, take suitable remedial measures as prescribed.
Genetic testing – Advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamil Nadu are presently available to check for genetic component of cardiovascular disease risk. You can check if you are genetically predisposed to specific conditions that cause cardiovascular diseases.
Lifestyle changes – Incorporate lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications, and adequate exercise. You should also stop smoking and drinking to reduce your risk of heart disease risk.
Medications – The following medications are typically recommended for reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention.
- Blood thinners.
- Statins
- Beta blockers.
- Nitrates.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
- Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers.
- Calcium channel blockers.
- Diuretics.
Procedures – Depending on the outcomes of the tests, it may indicate risk factors, and prevention may include the need for certain procedures This includes coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass graft.
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Rajasekar Cardiologist
Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).
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Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Experience: Dr. Agarwal is a seasoned pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. She has worked in various settings, including hospital pharmacies and community clinics, where she has excelled in medication management, patient counseling, and clinical support. Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Experience: Dr. Agarwal is a seasoned pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. She has worked in various settings, including hospital pharmacies and community clinics, where she has excelled in medication management, patient counseling, and clinical support. Dr. Agarwal is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes. is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes.