There are many different risk factors for heart disease that must be considered when treating patients. Here is a list of the biggest risk factors.
Researchers at the University of Warwick,
as cited by HealthwoRx, have identified three risk factors that they consider the biggest risk factors for heart attack and death. When these three conditions are found together, the risk of heart attack is doubled and the risk of dying prematurely is tripled.
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1. A high blood sugar level causes a rise in both infection and inflammation in the body, which can lead to heart attacks.
2. Elevated blood pressure causes the heart to pump harder. The additional stress can cause heart attacks and other heart-related events.
3. Obesity puts more stress on all of the body’s systems, causing inflammation, hormone imbalances, and other chronic medical conditions.
But those aren't the only risk factors. Here are some others.
4. Another big risk factor for heart disease is age, since older people have more damage to their arteries and heart muscles,
says the Mayo Clinic.
5. A family history of heart disease before age 55 for a male relative or 65 for a female relative increases the risk of coronary artery disease significantly.
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6. Nicotine from smoking constricts the blood vessels and carbon monoxide damages the lining of arteries, which makes them more susceptible to hardening.
7. Elevated C-reactive protein levels are associated with an increased incidence of heart attacks, although in itself this is not a known cause at this time.
8. High levels of triglycerides and overall cholesterol are also risk factors for heart disease.
9. Lack of physical activity can weaken the heart muscle and lead to
heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
10. An unhealthy diet high in fat, sugar, and cholesterol have been associated with heart disease and hardening of the arteries.
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