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Risks of CVD

In the U.S., cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart attacks and coronary heart disease are the number-one cause of sickness and death. Most cases of CVD are caused by a condition, called atherosclerosis, in which cholesterol and fat build up in the walls of arteries. According to the American Heart Association, there are at least nine risk factors that can help determine the likelihood of an individual developing cardiovascular disease.

  1. Age and Gender

    • More than 80 percent of individuals who die from cardiovascular disease are 65 years of age or older. Men are more at risk than women and generally suffer from the condition earlier. At older ages, however, women who have suffered a heart attack are more likely to die from it than men.

    Race and Heredity

    • African-Americans have a greater risk of CVD than Caucasians. Asian-Americans, Mexican-Americans and Native-Americans also have a higher risk. Family history is also an important risk factor: Individuals whose parents have suffered a heart attack have a greater chance of developing a cardiovascular disease.

    Physical Inactivity and Obesity

    • Physical inactivity can lead to obesity, which is a major risk factor of CVD. People who are obese are likely to develop a cardiovascular disease even if they do not have any other risk factors). Regular exercise and physical activity helps prevent coronary heart disease by lowering blood pressure and promoting healthy blood cholesterol levels.

    Smoking

    • Tobacco smokers are two to four times more likely than non-smokers to develop a cardiovascular disease. Additionally, smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to suffer sudden cardiac death. Even exposure to secondhand smoke increases the non-smoker's risk of CVD.

    High Blood Pressure and High Blood Cholesterol

    • As blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels increase, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases. High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder, which results in the thickening and stiffening of the heart. This can cause cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack and congestive heart failure.

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