What are the cardiovascular risk factors?
Cardiovascular risk factors endanger both heart and brain health. Here are the main ones and those you can act on. Cardiovascular risk factors pose a serious threat to the health of Italians. Every year, as much as 44% of deaths recorded in Italy are caused by cardiovascular issues. More specifically, the leading cause of death in Italy is ischemic heart disease, responsible for 28% of all deaths. But it’s not just the heart at risk: by compromising artery health, cardiovascular risk factors also threaten the brain.
This situation should not be underestimated either. Cerebrovascular events account for 13% of deaths in Italy, ranking third among the most frequent causes of death in the country. But what are the factors that increase cardiovascular risk?
Modifiable and non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factors
Unfortunately, cardiovascular risk factors are not always modifiable characteristics or behaviors. One example is gender; men have a higher risk of heart attacks compared to women, and not only that: they also tend to experience them at a younger age. Being male cannot be changed and is therefore listed among non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, together with:
- Age: most deaths from coronary disease occur in individuals over 65 years old;
- Heredity: having parents diagnosed with heart disease increases the likelihood of cardiovascular problems, as does belonging to certain ethnic groups. For example, Caucasians have a lower risk compared to African Americans, and Americans of Mexican, Native American, Hawaiian, and Asian descent are also predisposed to a higher risk of heart disease.
In women, menopause is also a risk factor. Other factors, however, are modifiable. This means heart and artery problems are not inevitable and that by acting on behaviors, one can reduce cardiovascular risk.
The main modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are:
- Smoking, which increases the risk of heart problems even when exposed to secondhand smoke;
- High cholesterol, which can be influenced by dietary habits;
- High triglycerides, which combined with high levels of “bad” cholesterol and low levels of “good” cholesterol are linked to atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls increasing heart attack and stroke risk);
- High blood pressure;
- Lack of physical activity;
- Overweight and obesity;
- Diabetes.
Cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle: how to act?
Avoiding smoking and ensuring regular physical activity are therefore two good habits that help reduce cardiovascular risk, but they may not be the only ones. It seems that to protect heart and arteries, other lifestyle aspects can also be addressed, particularly stress and alcohol consumption – both of which should be limited. Diet can also be a great help. It’s simple to understand why: a proper diet helps maintain normal blood fat levels, avoid overweight and obesity, and fight high blood pressure and diabetes, among other benefits.
Some specific nutrients, like Omega-3s, have been associated with heart benefits, especially for those who have already experienced a cardiac event. To increase Omega-3 intake, you can rely on fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and herring) and dietary supplements, particularly fish oil and cod liver oil. However, it is always important to choose products of high and certified quality.
Sources: · Epicentro. Cardiovascular diseases. https://goo.gl/zgxszY, 13/04/18 · American Heart Association. Understand your Risk to Prevent a Heart Attack. https://goo.gl/VD1sNi, 13/04/18 · Mori TA. Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: epidemiology and effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. Food Funct. 2014 Sep;5(9):2004-19. doi: 10.1039/c4fo00393d Image: Pixabay
