Risk Factors: Why Heart Disease Happens (And What You Can Change)
Heart disease often grows quietly over years. This lesson shows the “why” behind the risk.
Risk Factors = Things That Raise the Odds
A risk factor increases the chance of developing a disease. Some risk factors can be changed, and some can’t. The best prevention strategies focus on what can be improved.
Important
Risk factors don’t guarantee disease. They shift probability—like turning the volume up or down on risk.
Non-Modifiable (You Can’t Change These)
- Age: risk increases over time
- Family history: genetics can raise baseline risk
- Sex: risk patterns differ across life stages
Modifiable (You Can Change These)
High Blood Pressure
Chronic high pressure damages vessel walls and makes the heart work harder.
High Cholesterol
Certain cholesterol patterns contribute to plaque buildup inside arteries.
Diabetes
Elevated blood sugar over time harms blood vessels and increases CAD risk.
Smoking / Tobacco
Tobacco damages vessels, increases clot risk, and reduces oxygen delivery.
Physical Inactivity
Less activity worsens BP, weight, blood sugar control, and lipid profiles.
Diet & Weight
Nutrition and weight affect BP, cholesterol, and diabetes—key drivers of risk.
Prevention: Primary vs Secondary
- Primary prevention: prevent the first event (like a first heart attack)
- Secondary prevention: prevent another event after disease is known
Practical Prevention Plan (Beginner)
Focus on controlling blood pressure, improving nutrition, staying active, managing diabetes, and avoiding tobacco. Medications may be needed depending on risk and clinical history.
Mini Check (2 minutes)
- Q: Name two modifiable risk factors.
A: Examples: smoking, BP, diabetes, inactivity, diet. - Q: What is primary prevention?
A: Preventing the first heart event/disease. - Q: What is secondary prevention?
A: Preventing another event after diagnosis.