Major Risk Factors Leading To Spike In Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have seen a significant rise in recent years, attributed mainly to lifestyle choices and a few unavoidable factors. Poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and high levels of stress have emerged as major contributors to the growing number of heart-related ailments. In addition to these, certain inherent factors like age, family history, and gender further increase the risk of heart disease.

Diet and Heart Health
Dr Sudhansu Sekhar Parida, Principal Consultant in Cardiology at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, explains that poor dietary habits are a major cause of heart issues. “Consuming too much unhealthy fat, salt, and sugar causes obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which may considerably increase the risk of heart disease. It weakens the heart and blood vessels,” he says. A diet loaded with processed foods, trans fats, and added sugars not only leads to obesity but also raises blood pressure and blood sugar levels, creating a fertile ground for heart complications.

Smoking: A Key Culprit
Smoking is another critical risk factor that significantly affects cardiovascular health. Dr Parida points out that “smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, making it a major risk factor.” The harmful chemicals in cigarettes can cause the arteries to narrow and the blood to thicken, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Even second-hand smoke exposure has been linked to heart disease, making it a widespread concern.

Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Lifestyle
Sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common, with many people spending long hours sitting due to work commitments and a lack of physical activity in daily routines. Dr Parida emphasises that “physical inactivity adds to the problem by contributing to weight gain and poor heart health.” Without regular exercise, the heart muscles weaken, and the risk of obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure increases. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, as it helps regulate blood flow, strengthen the heart muscle, and maintain a healthy weight.

The Role of Stress
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a constant companion for many individuals. Prolonged stress can lead to harmful effects on the heart, such as increased blood pressure and inflammation. “Many people today lead busy, stressful lives, and long-term stress can raise blood pressure and cause inflammation, both of which harm the heart,” notes Dr Parida. Chronic stress is also associated with unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, smoking, and drinking, all of which further exacerbate the risk of heart disease.

Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption is another factor contributing to the rise in cardiovascular issues. Heavy drinking can raise blood pressure, contribute to weight gain, and cause irregular heartbeats, all of which can have long-term effects on the heart. Moderation is key when it comes to alcohol, as excessive intake can quickly spiral into serious heart conditions.

Unavoidable Risk Factors
While lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and exercise can be controlled, there are certain unavoidable risk factors that contribute to heart disease. Ageing is a natural process that increases the risk of cardiovascular problems as the heart and blood vessels weaken over time. Family history also plays a significant role, with individuals having a higher risk if close relatives have experienced heart disease.

Gender is another unavoidable factor, with men typically at higher risk of heart disease. However, Dr Parida notes that women face increased risk after menopause due to hormonal changes. “While men are generally at higher risk, women face increased risk after menopause due to hormonal changes,” he adds. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to an increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) and a decrease in good cholesterol (HDL), raising the risk of cardiovascular complications in women.

Managing and Reducing Risk
Although some factors cannot be controlled, the good news is that lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, quitting smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress levels can all go a long way in preventing cardiovascular issues.

Dr Parida advises individuals to take proactive steps towards better heart health. “Lifestyle changes with appropriate medical management will help in the reduction of risk factors,” he says. Regular health check-ups, monitoring of blood pressure, and managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are essential in keeping heart disease at bay. Even small changes, like incorporating more fruits and vegetables into the diet, reducing salt intake, and finding time for exercise, can make a big difference.

Conclusion
The rise in cardiovascular diseases is primarily driven by lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. While some risks like age and genetics cannot be changed, a proactive approach towards a healthier lifestyle, coupled with regular medical care, can help mitigate the risks of heart disease. By making conscious choices, individuals can safeguard their heart health and reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues.