Risk Factors

RISK FACTORS OF HEART DISEASE

What is a Risk Factor?

A risk factor is a variable associated with an increased risk of disease. Many of the risk factors for heart disease are preventable and associated with an unhealthy lifestyle.

A worldwide study, called INTERHEART, examined patients from 52 countries and identified nine modifiable factors that accounted for over 90 percent of the risk of a first heart attack.

The nine factors were: High Cholesterol, Smoking, Stress, Obesity, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Lack of Fruits and Vegetables, Lack of Physical Exercise, Diabetes, and Unhealthy Alcohol Intake.

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