Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, but the good news is that many risk factors are modifiable — meaning we can take action to reduce them. While age, gender and family history can’t be changed, lifestyle and health habits do make a significant difference.
According to the most recent Global Burden of Disease data:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) – including heart disease and stroke – continue to be the leading cause of death globally, responsible for about 19.2 million deaths in 2023 (up from 13.1 million in 1990).
Heart disease accounts for roughly 1 in every 3 deaths worldwide.
Nearly 80 percent of heart disease and stroke problems are caused by things people can change, like high blood pressure, unhealthy eating, high blood sugar, smoking and not getting enough physical activity.
In the United States, there were 915,973 cardiovascular deaths in 2023, including heart disease and stroke.
What Are Modifiable Risk Factors?
Modifiable risk factors are lifestyle choices and conditions that we can actively work to improve. Here are eight factors you can take control of in order to improve your heart health:
- Smoking – Smoking damages blood vessels, accelerates plaque buildup, and increases risk of heart attack and stroke. If you smoke, get help to quit. There are many effective tools are available, including behavioral change programs, nicotine replacement therapy and other medications.
- Alcohol consumption – If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you drink, moderation is key. Limit intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one per day for women.
- Diet – A healthy diet is one of the best ways to fight cardiovascular disease. In fact, a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can significantly lower your risk. What you eat can affect other controllable risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and weight.
- Physical inactivity – An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Regular exercise, even moderate activity like brisk walking, strengthens your heart and improves overall health. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week.
- Obesity – Carrying excess weight, especially around the waist, increases heart disease risk even if no other risk factors are present as it can affect blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose control.
- High blood pressure – Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure worsens heart workload and contributes to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and more. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and updated guidelines emphasize earlier lifestyle and, if needed, medication intervention.
- High cholesterol – High levels of “bad” cholesterol increase plaque buildup in your arteries. Regular checkups and dietary adjustments can help. If you’re over age 20, you should have your cholesterol checked every four to six years as part of a cardiovascular risk assessment. You may need to check it more often if certain factors put you at higher risk or you already have heart disease.
- Diabetes – If you have diabetes, regular checkups are critical to help keep your blood sugar under control. Work with your health care team to develop healthy eating habits, control your weight and get regular physical activity. You also may need medications to help control your blood sugar or insulin levels.
Remember, the more risk factors you have, the more at risk you are for heart disease – but also the greater the opportunity for prevention. Early action can add years to your life and reduce complications.
Taking Action During Heart Month
February is Heart Month, a great time to reassess your heart health and take proactive steps:
- Schedule a checkup – Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and get any necessary screenings
- Make lifestyle changes – Start small and gradually incorporate healthier habits into your routine
- Prioritize mental health and self-care – Stress reduction (like yoga or meditation) supports overall cardiovascular health.
Learn More About Cardiac Care
At MVHS, our team of physicians and clinical staff members specialize in cardiac, cardiovascular and thoracic care. Not sure where to begin? Speak with your primary care provider to get started.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Author
Jessica Fister, BSN, RN, assistant vice president of Cardiac Services.
