Understanding Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Just like maintaining good health requires certain dos and don’ts, keeping your heart strong means being aware of the factors contributing to coronary artery disease (CAD). These risk factors fall into two main categories:
1️⃣ Modifiable Risk Factors – Can be managed or changed.
2️⃣ Non-Modifiable Risk Factors – This cannot be controlled but still impacts heart health.
Modifiable Risk Factors
You can improve these lifestyle and health-related factors with conscious effort:
Smoking – Damages blood vessels, reduces oxygen levels and leads to plaque buildup in arteries.
Unhealthy Diet – High-fat, sugary, and processed foods increase cholesterol, blood pressure, and obesity risks.
Lack of Exercise – Inactivity weakens the heart and raises the risk of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.Excess Weight – Extra body fat strains the heart and contributes to high cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.
Chronic Stress – Prolonged stress raises blood pressure and inflammation, often leading to unhealthy habits.
Poor Sleep – Less than 6–7 hours of sleep per night increases the risk of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Forces the heart to work harder, leading to artery damage.
Diabetes – High blood sugar damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque buildup in arteries.
Nutritional Deficiencies – Lack of essential nutrients, fibre, and healthy fats can lead to metabolic disorders and high cholesterol.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
These factors are beyond control but still affect heart health:
🔹 Age – Risk increases after 45 years in men and 55 years in women.
🔹 Family History – A history of CAD in close relatives raises personal risk.
🔹 Ethnicity – Certain groups (South Asians, African Americans, Hispanics) have a higher genetic predisposition.
🔹 Genetics – Inherited conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure increase CAD risk.
🔹 Gender – Men face a higher risk at a younger age, while postmenopausal women experience increased risk due to hormonal changes.
Conclusion
While some risks are unavoidable, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly lower the chances of CAD. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and medical checkups are key to protecting your heart. Small changes today can lead to a healthier tomorrow!