There is no single cause for CAD but there are risk factors that increase the chances of developing it. Of course, among the non-modifiable risk factors (ones that you can’t change) include increasing age, being male and having a family history of heart disease. In addition, people with African or Asian ancestry are at higher risks of developing cardiovascular disease than other racial groups.
The modifiable risk factors include (in no order): smoking, high total cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, being physically inactive, being overweight or obese, harmful use of alcohol, depression, social isolation and a lack of quality social support.
No two CAD patients are the same. Therefore, in order to rank the risk factors, one must first consider the risk factor which predominates in each patient’s presentation. For example, if hypertension predominates, then it becomes the most important risk factor to control in that patient. like wise, smoking and so on etc.
Nevertheless, epidemiological studies have revealed the following;
Hypertension is the single biggest risk factor for stroke. It also plays a significant role in heart attacks.
Abnormal blood lipid levels i.e. high total cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides, high levels of low-density lipoprotein or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol all increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, increases risks of cardiovascular disease. The risk is especially high if the patient started smoking when young, smokes heavily or is a woman. Passive smoking is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Stopping tobacco use can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly, no matter how long the patient has been smoking.
Physical inactivity increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%. Obesity is a major risk for cardiovascular disease and predisposes to diabetes.
Type2 diabetes a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. Having diabetes doubles the risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to a patient without diabetes. In pre-menopausal women, diabetes cancels out the protective effect of estrogen and increases the risk of heart disease significantly.
A diet high in saturated fat increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is estimated to cause about 31% of coronary heart disease and 11% of stroke worldwide.
Being poor increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. A chronically stressful life, social isolation, anxiety and depression increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Having one to two alcohol drinks a day may lead to a 30% reduction in heart disease, but above this level alcohol consumption will damage the heart muscle.
Certain medicines may increase the risk of heart disease such as the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality.
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