Major Risk Factors for Heart Disease

In the United States, almost half of all Americans have heart disease, which is a concerning statistic. However, it’s more empowering to know that 90% of heart disease cases are preventable.

To prevent heart disease, it’s important to understand and address the risks. Dr. James Kim, a certified cardiovascular specialist, aims to highlight some of the common risk factors associated with heart disease.

The Big Three

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies three major risk factors for heart disease:

1. High Blood Pressure – Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood through your arteries is too strong, potentially weakening the vessel walls. Often, blockages in the arteries contribute to this increased pressure. Unfortunately, 47% of adults in the US have hypertension, significantly increasing their risk for heart disease.
2. High Cholesterol  – Cholesterol levels are measured in three categories:
   • Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)
   • High-density lipoproteins (HDLs)
   • Triglycerides
   • LDLs are the “bad” cholesterol, while HDLs are the “good” cholesterol, responsible for removing excess LDLs from your blood. Triglycerides are fats, so their levels should be low.
   • High cholesterol means there is too much cholesterol and fat in your blood, leading to deposits that can block blood vessels. This often results from an imbalance: too few HDLs, too many LDLs, and high triglyceride levels.

3. Smoking – If you use tobacco or are exposed to secondhand smoke, you’re at a higher risk for plaque deposits forming in your blood vessels.

Additional Risk Factors

While the three major risk factors for heart disease are significant, there are other contributing factors, including:

• Genetics: A family history of heart disease
• Obesity
• Pre-existing conditions: Such as diabetes
• Poor diet
• Sedentary lifestyle

Several items on this list are linked to the previously mentioned risk factors. For example, a high-fat diet often leads to being overweight. This combination increases the risk of developing hypertension and high cholesterol levels.

Enhancing Your Heart Health

The key takeaway is that heart disease is preventable. Based on the factors we’ve discussed, the primary ways to reduce your risk include:

• Eating a healthier diet
• Increasing physical activity
• Shedding excess weight
• Stopping smoking

We know these changes can be challenging, but we’re here to support you.

To take proactive steps in preventing heart disease, schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Chula Vista or National City, California. We can create a personalized heart-healthy plan tailored to your needs.