Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading causes of death worldwide, with conditions such as heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes significantly impacting global health. Recent studies reveal that many individuals can reduce their risk of developing these life-threatening conditions through lifestyle modifications. A groundbreaking new study has found that over 99% of individuals who suffered a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke had at least one of four major cardiovascular risk factors present before their event.
Researchers highlighted that among the four major cardiovascular disease risk factors—high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, fasting glucose, and tobacco use—high blood pressure was the most prevalent issue. Approximately 85% of all deaths related to cardiovascular diseases stem from heart attacks and strokes, with more than 64 million people worldwide living with heart failure.
The study, involving over 9,000 adults, indicates that lifestyle choices play a critical role in cardiovascular health. Factors such as smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet rich in ultra-processed foods, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to elevated cardiovascular risk.
This extensive study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, analyzed medical data from over 9 million adults in South Korea and nearly 7,000 adults in the United States. Participants were monitored for up to 20 years, allowing researchers to collect multiple measurements of blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and smoking exposure prior to any cardiovascular incidents.
According to Dr. Philip Greenland, the senior author of the study and a leading cardiology expert, earlier research suggested that major modifiable risk factors were often absent in patients who experienced heart attacks or similar cardiovascular events. However, this study challenges that notion, indicating that long-term data provides a more accurate picture of risk factor exposure.
The researchers focused on the four critical risk factors as defined by the American Heart Association, which includes:
Blood pressure of 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher Fasting glucose levels of 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher Total cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL or higher Current or past tobacco useDr. Greenland emphasized that these risk factors are modifiable, presenting a significant opportunity for prevention. He noted that while certain factors like genetics are beyond individual control, managing modifiable factors could lead to substantial reductions in cardiovascular events.
At the conclusion of the study, it was found that over 99% of participants had at least one risk factor at unhealthy levels before experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. High blood pressure emerged as the most common issue, affecting more than 95% of South Korean participants and over 93% of American participants.
Dr. Greenland pointed out the importance of recognizing and treating high blood pressure, as it is often asymptomatic and can easily be overlooked during routine health check-ups. The study also revealed concerning statistics for women under 60, who typically face lower risks for cardiovascular diseases, as over 95% still had at least one non-optimal risk factor before experiencing serious health events.
Dr. Greenland concluded by stressing the importance of assessing these four risk factors during every medical visit. He encouraged patients to take proactive steps if even slight elevations are detected. The next phase, he suggested, involves implementing existing knowledge to enhance cardiovascular health outcomes.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, echoed these sentiments, stating that the study underscores the urgent need for aggressive screening and management of cardiovascular disease risk factors to alleviate the burden of this pressing health issue in society.
In summary, the findings from this significant study highlight the critical role of modifiable lifestyle factors in preventing cardiovascular diseases. By understanding and addressing these risk factors, individuals can take meaningful steps toward improving their heart health and reducing the likelihood of serious cardiovascular events.
