Major Risk Factors Leading To Spike In Cardiovascular Diseases

The rise in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is mainly due to a combination of lifestyle choices and unavoidable factors. Some of the key reasons are poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress.

Dr Sudhansu Sekhar Parida, Principal Consultant Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, says, “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, and increased smoking puts one at great risk.”

A diet high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar leads to problems like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which increase the chances of heart disease. “Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, making it a major risk factor. Physical inactivity adds to the problem by contributing to weight gain and poor heart health. Many people today lead busy, stressful lives, and long-term stress can raise blood pressure and cause inflammation, both of which harm the heart,” adds Dr Parida.

Another major cause is excessive alcohol consumption, which can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain.

Dr Parida shares, “Unavoidable factors include getting older, family history of heart disease, and gender. While men are generally at higher risk, women face increased risk after menopause due to hormonal changes.”

In short, lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, minimal exercise, and high stress levels are the chief contributory factors for the increasing heart disease. Other conditions like diabetes or hypertension further aggravate the risk, though other factors like age and family history cannot avoid being inevitable contributors to increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. Lifestyle changes with appropriate medical management will help in the reduction of risk factors.