Overview

Understanding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is crucial for prevention. Some risk factors can be controlled, while others cannot. This guide explains the key risk factors and what you can do to manage them.

Modifiable Risk Factors

These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excessive alcohol consumption. These can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

These include age (risk increases with age), gender (men are at higher risk earlier), and family history of CVD. While you can't change these, being aware of them helps motivate lifestyle changes.

Metabolic Syndrome

This is a cluster of conditions — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels — that occur together, increasing the risk of CVD.

Prevention

Addressing modifiable risk factors is the most effective way to prevent CVD. This includes regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, quitting smoking, and regular health screenings.

When to See a Doctor

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. If you have any risk factors, you should have them evaluated regularly.