Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease appears in two main forms, angina and heart attack, and is the major cause of death in most developed countries. Its development is influenced by a number of risk factors.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is more likely 1)with increasing age, 2) in men rather than in women before the menopause 3) if close relatives have suffered CHD early in life. These risk factors cannot be changed. But there are other risk factors that can be modified.

The main modifiable risk factors for CHD are:
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  • Elevated blood cholesterol
  • High triglyceride with low HDL
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Inactivity
  • Excessive alcohol
  • Excessive stress

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When several such risk factors exist together, the risk of CHD is much increased. It is not enough to consider just one risk factor. All aspects of diet and lifestyle should be kept under review.

[boxibt style=”gray”]Blood Cholesterol

Cholesterol is vital for healthy cells. It is so important that the body does not rely on a dietary source, it makes its own. If, however, the body accumulates too much, cholesterol will deposit in the walls of arteries, which become damaged and may become blocked. If this happens, a heart attack could result. Many people make too much cholesterol when their diet is rich in saturated fats.

High blood cholesterol may also be inherited, as in Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and Familial Combined Hyperlipidaemia (FCH). In these conditions there are genetic defects that lead to over-production or accumulation of cholesterol in the blood. To combat this, a rigorous cholesterol-lowering food plan, usually combined with drug treatment, is required to reduce and control blood cholesterol and CHD risk.

Even if one’s blood cholesterol is not exceptionally high, as it is in the inherited disorders FH and FCH, it is sensible to choose carefully the amount and type of dietary fat consumed. Reducing the amount of saturated fat is especially important. (The FHA has a separate publication on healthy eating *).
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[boxibt style=”gray”]High Triglyceride with Low HDL

Having too much of another fat in the blood, triglyceride, is often coupled with having too little HDL (high density lipoprotein). This combination is commonly associated with premature coronary disease. It may be inherited but also occurs in individuals who are obese. Weight reduction and regular exercise may help to reduce triglyceride levels and increase HDL levels.

A higher level of HDL is useful, as this is the component in the blood which brings excess cholesterol from the tissues to the liver for processing and excretion. Insufficient HDL in the blood appears to be an important predictor for heart disease in European and North American men and women.
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[boxibt style=”gray”]Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is harmful to the arteries and increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke. The condition tends to run in families, but blood pressure is also influenced by lifestyle. To prevent blood pressure from rising, people are encouraged to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, keep alcohol intake moderate, avoid adding or cooking with salt, reduce stress, and be physically active. If these measures fail, there are drugs which are effective in reducing elevated blood pressure. Excess alcohol intake seems to be an important contributor to high blood pressure in Britain.
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[boxibt style=”gray”]Diabetes

Having diabetes increases the risk of CHD. Known diabetics are under the care of a doctor and dietitian. But it is possible to have a mild diabetic condition or latent diabetic tendency without knowing it, which also increases CHD risk.

Diabetes and diabetic tendencies can be managed by a diet which emphasises complex carbohydrates and is low in fat. Good choices are foods rich in starch and fibre, such as potatoes, bread and other cereal foods, pasta, beans, vegetables and fruit. Be active, maintain a healthy body weight, and above all – do not smoke.
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[boxibt style=”gray”] Smoking

Cigarette smoking, even a few a day, increases the risk of heart disease. It can also cause cancer of the lungs and several other parts of the body, lung failure, stroke and gangrene. There are thus many health benefits from being a non-smoker. Even after having smoked for many years, stopping smoking now will reduce CHD risk.
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[boxibt style=”gray”] Obesity

Being overweight increases the chance of having a heart attack. This is in part because obese individuals are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood fats. Less fat, sugar and alcohol in the diet is helpful for weight control. In order to achieve a healthy body weight it is also important to build regular, moderate exercise into a daily routine.
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[boxibt style=”gray”] Inactivity

Physical inactivity is an important contributor to coronary heart disease. Cardiovascular benefits of regular physical activity include reduced blood pressure and less likelihood of obesity, which help to reduce the risk of developing CHD. At least 30 minutes of steady activity five days a week, or 20 minutes of higher intensity activity three days a week is recommended. Walking, swimming, cycling and dancing are all excellent choices. Those who have CHD or feel they are at risk should consult their doctor before starting an exercise programme.
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[boxibt style=”gray”]Alcohol

Alcohol in moderation may reduce the risk of CHD. However, consuming too much alcohol places one’s health at risk in a number of ways. When taken to excess, alcohol is detrimental to the heart and other organs. It can directly damage the heart muscle and cause irregular beating of the heart. Alcohol can contribute to obesity, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, strokes and cancer, not to mention accidents and violence.

There are many reasons to keep alcohol consumption within reasonable limits. Men are encouraged to drink no more than 28 units a week and women no more than 21 units. A unit is defined as a half-pint of beer, lager or cider, or a pub measure of wine, sherry or spirits.
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[boxibt style=”gray”] Stress

A certain amount of stress may be desirable, in that it keeps people alert and motivated. However as the stress level builds, and especially if prolonged, it can be counter-productive by being injurious to health. Stress can exacerbate symptoms in people with pre-existing heart disease, and can contribute to high blood pressure. For those with high cholesterol it can lead to neglect of a healthy lifestyle, such as poor eating habits, or not taking prescribed medication.
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It is important to find time for relaxation. Simple breathing exercises, sports, music, meditation, reading, engaging in hobbies, taking a walk…there are many ways to reduce stress. Choose those which appeal and make time for them every day.
[boxibt style=”success”]Information Courtesy of
The Family Heart Association, 7 North Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1PE, UK.
Charity registration No: 1003904. Company limited by guarantee No. 2631049.
Telephone: 01628 628 638. Email: md@familyheart.org
© 1999 The Family Heart Association[/boxibt]

For Further information or for fact sheets on the following:
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  • Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease
  • Cholesterol and Lipoproteins
  • Triglycerides
  • Fibrates
  • Resins
  • Statins
  • Exercise: An Investment in Health
  • Stress

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Visit the website: www.familyheart.org

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