Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Risk factors for heart disease are numerous and frequently interconnected, raising the probability of getting cardiovascular problems. Lifestyle decisions such as poor food, lack of exercise, and smoking are all important risk causes for high blood pressure, diabetes, and raised cholesterol levels (Adamec 2016). An individual’s risk is increased if they have a family history of heart disease, thus genetic predisposition is also important (Koop 2002). Other contributing factors include age and gender, as the risk of heart disease rises with age and is more common in males at earlier ages, though the disparity narrows with age (Morishita 2003). Chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension are also high risk factors because they cause long-term damage to the heart and blood vessels. Knowing these risk factors is critical for early detection and avoidance, leading to individuals’ high-risk lifestyle choices and driving public health policies aimed at lowering the prevalence of heart disease
| Risk Factor | Description |
| Lifestyle Choices | Poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking significantly contribute to high blood pressure and cholesterol. |
| Genetic Predisposition | Family history of heart disease increases individual risk. |
| Age and Gender | The risk increases with age and is more common in males at younger ages, though the gap narrows with age. |
| Chronic Illnesses | Conditions like diabetes and hypertension cause long-term damage to the heart and blood vessels. |