The number one risk factor for heart disease is high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition when the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. It can cause the heart to strain and weaken over time, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Other risk factors for heart disease include smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure – High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart disease. It is a condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. Over time, it can cause the heart to strain and weaken, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Smoking – Smoking increases the risk of heart disease because it damages the heart and blood vessels, and it increases the risk of clotting. It can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, and it increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.
Obesity – Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease because it increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes. It can also increase the risk of developing clotting and plaque buildup in the arteries.
Physical Inactivity – Physical inactivity increases the risk of heart disease because it increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and obesity. It can also increase the risk of developing diabetes and plaque buildup in the arteries.
Poor Diet – Eating a diet high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and processed foods increases the risk of heart disease because it increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes. It can also increase the risk of developing clotting and plaque buildup in the arteries.
High Cholesterol – High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease because it increases the risk of developing plaque buildup in the arteries.
Diabetes – Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease because it increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and plaque buildup in the arteries.