Top 10 causes of heart disease

High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, an unhealthy diet, a lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, stress and genetic factors are the top causes of heart disease.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Globally, around 620 million people are living with heart and circulatory diseases. That means 1 in every 13 people has some kind of cardiovascular problem.

The good news is that heart disease is preventable in many cases. This can be done by taking care of risk factors. Some of these factors are within our control, while others are not.

Here, we will discuss these factors and understand how to address them to reduce our risk of heart disease.

High blood pressure
Also known as hypertension, it is characterised by increased blood pressure in the arteries. This can damage the inner lining of arteries and make them less elastic over time and also cause blockages in the arteries.

Prolonged increased blood flow can also cause part of the weak artery to bulge, which may burst and lead to bleeding.

Overall, high blood pressure puts a strain on the heart and arteries, affecting their normal function. It’s recommended to keep monitoring your blood pressure and take the prescribed medicines.

High cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that flows through the bloodstream. There are two main types of cholesterol - high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

HDL is good, whereas LDL is bad for health. Consuming foods high in saturated fat causes high levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. This leads to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which narrows them and affects the blood supply.

Eating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, exercising regularly, and taking medication if needed can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Diabetes
Diabetes and heart disease go hand in hand. Diabetic people are 2 to 4 times more likely to get heart disease. Experts believe persistent high blood sugar damages the blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart.

Diabetes also raises the risk of other risk factors, like high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Managing diabetes is the best way to reduce a wide range of diseases. To do that, follow your medicine, diet and exercise regimen.

Smoking
Cigarette smokers are 2 to 4 times more likely to get heart disease than nonsmokers. The chemicals in it make the inner lining of arteries sticky, leading to fatty deposits in the arteries.

This damages the blood vessels, reduces oxygen flow to the heart, and increases the risk of blood clots. Smoking also raises the chances of blood clot formation.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to protect your heart and overall health.

Obesity
Obesity is a direct contributor to heart disease. Over time, it can narrow down the arteries, put extra stress on the heart and affect the heart rhythm. Obesity also raises the risk of other risk factors like hypertension and diabetes.

So, keep a watch on your weight and take adequate measures if it is above the healthy range.

Unhealthy diet
A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and sodium promotes plaque buildup in the arteries. These things can damage the arteries and make you susceptible to heart disease. Not only this; they can also lead to obesity, which is another risk factor for heart disease.

So, include a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein and avoid a diet high in unhealthy things.

Lack of physical activity
As per the American Heart Association, 35% of coronary heart diseases occur due to a lack of physical activity. Inactivity for the long term can lead to fat buildup in the arteries.

That’s why regular exercise is a must and good for health. It helps strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

Excessive alcohol consumption
Drinking too much alcohol is associated with a range of health problems, including heart disease. It can raise blood pressure, contribute to weight gain, and increase the risk of heart disease.

Therefore, it is recommended to either stop or limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels (no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men).

Stress
Chronic stress can lead to inflammation, which may promote plaque buildup in the arteries. Long-term stress is associated with high cortisol levels, which may increase other risk factors like blood pressure, triglyceride, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It can also cause unhealthy behaviours like overeating or smoking.

Thus, it is important to manage stress. Find better ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation or quality time with loved ones.

Genetic factors
Family history plays a role in heart disease risk. If you have a family history of heart disease, it's essential to be proactive about managing your risk factors through healthy lifestyle choices. Also, get regular health checkups for early diagnosis and treatment.