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What Increases the Risk of Heart Related Diseases in the Human Body?

It is the number one cause of death across the globe. Heredity, genetics, lifestyle, poor diet, and many other conditions are significant risk factors in the development of coronary heart disease.

  1. Identification

    • Major factors and contributing factors are the two classifications of risk concerning the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). "Over 83 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older," says the American Heart Association.

    Time Frame

    • Males are more likely to suffer heart attacks and face them earlier. "At age 70 and beyond, men and women are equally at risk," the Cleveland Clinic says. The rate begins to increase for females after menopause.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Smoking (smokers are two to four times more likely to develop CHD), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and excessive consumption of fats and sodium all increase the rist of heart-related diseases in both genders.

    Considerations

    • "Excessive alcohol use leads to an increase in blood pressure, and increases the risk for heart disease," according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also contributes to the condition that clogs arteries.

    Warning

    • Heredity and genetics plays a large role in determining those at risk for CHD. People with a family history of heart disease should be especially vigilant, as should Americans of minority descent.

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