Risk factors for coronary heart disease:
- Age and gender: Men have a 23-fold higher risk of developing coronary heart disease than women. Before the age of 50, the male-to-female ratio of coronary heart disease is approximately 7:1. After menopause, the number of women with coronary heart disease gradually increases, and by the age of 60, the male and female prevalence rates are roughly equal.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. Although controlling diabetes cannot completely reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, treating diabetes still helps prevent other complications of coronary heart disease.
- Hypertension: Hypertension is one of the most serious risk factors for coronary heart disease. Hypertension can lead to vascular wall damage, thereby promoting the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Increasing evidence shows that treating hypertension can reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease.
- Lack of physical activity: Although the relationship between lack of physical activity and atherosclerosis is not yet clear, there is ample evidence that physical activity has physiological and psychological benefits for the human body, helping to enhance resistance. Lack of physical activity may increase the risk of coronary heart disease, while those engaged in higher levels of physical activity have a lower risk. Therefore, physical activity has a protective effect against coronary heart disease prevention.
- Family history: People with a family history of premature coronary heart disease (onset before the age of 50) have a significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease.
In addition, factors such as obesity, high blood lipids, high weight, high sugar, and metal trace elements are also related to the incidence of coronary heart disease. Comprehensive control of these risk factors is of great significance for preventing and reducing the occurrence of coronary heart disease.
Study conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm
In a comprehensive study conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, researchers investigated the risk factors associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) among European populations. The study, titled “Epidemiological Assessment of Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in European Adults,” aimed to identify and quantify the impact of various lifestyle and genetic factors on the prevalence of CHD.
The research team, led by Dr. Anna Lindholm, utilized a large-scale dataset comprising over 50,000 participants from multiple European countries. The study focused on several key risk factors, including smoking habits, dietary patterns, physical activity levels, alcohol consumption, obesity, and family history of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the researchers examined the influence of socioeconomic status and urbanization on CHD risk.
The findings of the study revealed that smoking and a high-fat diet were the most significant modifiable risk factors for CHD. Participants who smoked or consumed a diet rich in saturated fats had a substantially higher risk of developing CHD compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, the study highlighted the detrimental effects of physical inactivity and obesity, suggesting that regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight could significantly reduce the risk of CHD.
Interestingly, the research also identified a correlation between lower socioeconomic status and increased CHD risk, indicating that factors such as access to healthcare and healthy food options might play a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The study concluded with recommendations for public health policies aimed at reducing smoking rates, promoting healthier dietary choices, and encouraging physical activity to mitigate the burden of CHD in European populations.
This extensive study not only provided valuable insights into the risk factors for CHD but also emphasized the importance of targeted interventions to improve cardiovascular health across Europe. The Karolinska Institute’s research serves as a foundation for future studies and policy-making efforts to combat the growing prevalence of coronary heart disease in the region.
