Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the developing world (Gaziano, Reducing The Growing Burden Of Cardiovascular Disease In The Developing World). However, cardiovascular disease can be preventable with constant modification toward certain risk factors.

The major, risk factors are high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, obesity, tobacco and alcohol use.

Hypertension, the single biggest risk factor for stroke, can be prevented and successfully treated. Change in your diet, along with increased physical activity monitored by a physician, will heavily reduce both hypertension and high cholesterol.

A diet high in saturated fat increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.  It is estimated to cause about 31% of coronary heart disease and 11% of stroke worldwide, according to Mackay and Mensah, Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke. 

Having one to two alcohol drinks a day may lead to a 30% reduction in heart disease, but above this level alcohol consumption will damage the heart muscle. Tobacco use increases risks of cardiovascular disease. The risk is especially high if you started smoking when young, smoke heavily or are a woman. Passive smoking is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.  Stopping tobacco use can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease significantly, no matter how long you have smoked (Mackay and Mensah).



While several non-modifiable risk factors, such as age, family history and gender play a role in level of risk for cardiovascular disease – taking control of the things you can change is vital to your heart health.