Stroke: risk factors

Over 300 risk factors have been associated with coronary heart disease and stroke. The major established risk factors meet three criteria: a high prevalence in many populations; a significant independent impact on the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke; and their treatment and control result in reduced risk.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are now significant in all populations. In the developed countries, at least one-third of all CVD is attributable to five risk factors: tobacco use, alcohol use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
In developing countries with low mortality, such as China, cardiovascular risk factors also figure high on the top 10 list. These populations face a double burden of risks, grappling with the problems of undernutrition and communicable diseases, while also contending with the same risks as developed nations.
Even in developing countries with high mortality, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco and alcohol use, as well as low vegetable and fruit intake, already figure among the top risk factors.
Some major risks are modifiable in that they can be prevented, treated, and controlled. There are considerable health benefits at all ages, for both men and women, in stopping smoking, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, eating a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stroke: risk factors

Over 300 risk factors have been associated with coronary heart disease and stroke. The major established risk factors meet three criteria: a high prevalence in many populations; a significant independent impact on the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke; and their treatment and control result in reduced risk. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are now significant in all populations. In the developed countries, at least one-third of all CVD is attributable to five risk factors: tobacco use, alcohol use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. In developing countries with low mortality, such as China, cardiovascular risk factors also figure high on the top 10 list. These populations face a double burden of risks, grappling with the problems of undernutrition and communicable diseases, while also contending with the same risks as developed nations. Even in developing countries with high mortality, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco and alcohol use, as well as low vegetable and fruit intake, already figure among the top risk factors. Some major risks are modifiable in that they can be prevented, treated, and controlled. There are considerable health benefits at all ages, for both men and women, in stopping smoking, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, eating a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.