Risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase the chances of developing heart disease.
Types of Risk Factors:
- Modifiable Risk Factors → Can be changed (e.g., smoking, diet).
- Non-Modifiable Risk Factors → Cannot be changed (e.g., age, genetics).
Mnemonic: "CVD RISK FACTORS"
1. NON-MODIFIABLE
RISK FACTORS (CANNOT CHANGE)
• Age → Risk increases with age.
• Gender → Males have a higher risk; females after menopause.
• Genetics → Family history of heart disease increases risk.
Mnemonic: "A-G-G" (Age, Gender, Genetics)
2. MODIFIABLE
RISK FACTORS (CAN CHANGE)
A. BEHAVIORAL
RISK FACTORS
• Smoking → Increases risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Unhealthy Diet → High in saturated fats, trans fats,
sugar, salt.
• Physical Inactivity → Increases obesity, diabetes,
hypertension.
Mnemonic: "S.U.P." (Smoking, Unhealthy Diet, Physical Inactivity)
B. METABOLIC RISK
FACTORS
• High Cholesterol → Causes fatty deposits in arteries.
• Hypertension (High BP) → Increases heart strain.
• Obesity → Increases risk of diabetes and high BP.
• Diabetes Mellitus (High Blood Sugar) → Damages blood
vessels.
Mnemonic: "CHOD" (Cholesterol, Hypertension, Obesity, Diabetes)
3. GLOBAL TRENDS
IN RISK FACTORS
- Smoking Rates: 1.2 billion people smoke, leading to 5 million deaths/year.
- Dietary Changes: Increased saturated fats and processed foods raise CVD risk.
- Physical Inactivity: Sedentary jobs and lifestyles increase obesity and diabetes.
- Hypertension & Cholesterol: Rising in urban areas due to poor diet and stress.
Mnemonic: "S-D-P-H" (Smoking, Diet, Physical Inactivity, Hypertension)
PREVENTION
STRATEGIES
Lifestyle Changes:
- Quit Smoking
- Eat a Healthy Diet (Fruits,
Vegetables, Less Salt & Fat)
- Exercise Regularly (30 min/day)
- Maintain Healthy Weight
Medical Management:
- Control Blood Pressure
(Antihypertensives)
- Lower Cholesterol
(Statins, Diet Change)
- Manage Diabetes
(Exercise, Medication)
Public Health Measures:
- Awareness Campaigns on Smoking &
Diet
- Screening for Hypertension &
Diabetes
Mnemonic: "L.M.P." (Lifestyle, Medical, Public Health)
FINAL REVISION WITH MNEMONICS
- Non-Modifiable Risk Factors = "A-G-G" (Age, Gender, Genetics)
- Behavioral Risk Factors = "S.U.P." (Smoking, Unhealthy Diet, Physical Inactivity)
- Metabolic Risk Factors = "CHOD" (Cholesterol, Hypertension, Obesity, Diabetes)
- Global Trends = "S-D-P-H" (Smoking, Diet, Physical Inactivity, Hypertension)
- Prevention Strategies = "L.M.P." (Lifestyle, Medical, Public Health)
