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What is a cardiac risk factor

What are some common risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

15.MAR.2024

Written by Anna Sanniti Medically reviewed by Dr. Zara Fullerton

A risk factor is a characteristic known to increase your chances of developing a particular condition. A risk factor for cardiovascular disease is therefore a factor that could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease such as stroke or heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Although a risk factor can increase the chance of a condition it does not guarantee that you will develop it.

Leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. ¹

About half of all Americans (47%) have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. ²

Please note that the risk factors discussed below are just some of the factors that can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. This list is not exhaustive. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your risk.

High cholesterol levels

Most cardiovascular conditions are often caused by a build-up of fatty deposits called plaques within the arteries. Plaques are made up of cholesterol, specifically cholesterol that is carried through the blood by low-density lipoproteins such as LDL cholesterol and other substances such as calcium and fibrin (a clotting material found in the blood). This process, also known as atherosclerosis, causes a hardening and narrowing of the arteries that can fully or partially block the flow of blood. ²

Cholesterol is carried through the blood by lipoproteins and is a type of fat that the body needs to build healthy cells and hormones. Having high levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can increase the chances of plaque buildup, and subsequently increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. ³

Individuals with normal cholesterol levels may still have an increased cardiac risk if they have high levels of triglycerides. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in our bodies. They are a good source of energy and are essential for our health. ⁴ However, high levels of triglycerides, coupled with low levels of HDL cholesterol or and/or high LDL cholesterol levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. ⁵

High blood pressure

Blood pressure is the pressure of your blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day, but having blood pressure that is consistently high (130/80 mm Hg or higher), also known as hypertension can increase the risk of a cardiovascular condition. ⁶

Nearly half of all adults in the United States have hypertension, and only a quarter of these adults have controlled hypertension. There are rarely any signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, making it a dangerous condition that often goes undetected. ⁶

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the chance of plaque formation in the walls of arteries. Over time the arteries become narrower and less elastic which can affect blood flow throughout the body. ⁶

Diabetes

Adults with diabetes have a 2-4 times higher risk of a cardiovascular condition than adults without diabetes This is because high blood glucose levels from unmanaged diabetes can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your blood vessels and heart.⁷

Compared to those at a normal weight, people who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and their risk factors. These include high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes. ²

Diet and lifestyle habits

Certain diet and lifestyle habits can increase the risk of developing high total cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. 

This includes: ⁸

  • Eating a diet high in sugar, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.

  • Drinking too much alcohol.

  • Smoking. 

  • Lack of exercise.

  • Low fruit and vegetable consumption.

Ethnicity

Minority ethnic groups often have a higher risk of developing a cardiovascular condition, due to health disparities that increase their chances of developing other risk factors. This includes Black Americans, American Indians, Asian, and Hispanic/Latinx communities. ⁹

Other medical conditions

Many other medical conditions can increase the risk of heart disease or risk factors related to heart disease. For example,  women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often have an increased risk of heart disease, and risk increases with age. ¹¹ Another example is an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, which can be associated with high cholesterol levels if left untreated.¹²

Family History

If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, your risk of developing it can be increased. The risk can depend on which family member is impacted and at what age. A family history could increase your risk of developing heart disease in several ways including inherited genes or shared environments. ¹³

Lipoprotein (a) levels

Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is LDL that carries cholesterol through the blood. Similar to LDL cholesterol, Lp(a) cholesterol can build up in the walls of blood vessels and contribute to the formation of plaques. ¹⁶ High Lp(a) levels can run in families.¹⁶

Let’s recap

  • A cardiac risk factor increases your chances of developing a cardiovascular condition, like stroke and heart disease. 

  • Leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. 

To learn more about certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, check your cholesterol, triglycerides, and Lp(a) levels from home with LetsGetChecked. Order your test online today.

Please note that the following is for educational use only and is not a substitute for medical advice. This content cannot diagnose or provide information about treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or need specific medical advice relating to any symptoms, conditions, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice and do not disregard professional medical advice based on this content. Your healthcare provider can provide the most suitable guidance based on your situation.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart disease risk factors. Online: cdc.gov 2. American Heart Association. What is atherosclerosis? Online: heart.org 3. Jung E et al. Serum Cholesterol Levels and Risk of Cardiovascular Death: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(14):8272. Online: mdpi.com 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Cholesterol. Online: cdc.gov 5. Cleveland Clinic. Triglycerides and Heart Health. Online: my.clevelandclinic.org 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure symptoms and causes. Online: cdc.gov 7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke. Online: niddk.nih.gov 8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronary Artery Disease. Online: cdc.gov 9. Cleveland Clinic. How Race and Ethnicity Impact Heart Disease. Online: my.clevelandclinic.org 10. American Heart Association. African Americans and Heart Disease, Stroke. Online: heart.org 11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PCOS and Diabetes. Online: cdc.gov 12. Mayo Clinic. Hypothyroidism. Online: mayoclinic.org 13. NHS. Cardiovascular Disease. Online: NHS 14. Heart Foundation. Your Family History and Heart Disease. Online: Heart Foundation. 15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lipoprotein (a). Online: cdc.gov