Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 17.9 million people die each year due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and the number is estimated to rise to 23.6 million by 2030.

The prevalence of this condition can be attributed to various factors, including lifestyle choices, genetics, and underlying medical conditions. This article will explore several contributing factors to heart disease and how they impact the heart’s health.

Lifestyle Choices

The modern lifestyle has led to numerous health issues, heart disease included. Some of the lifestyle choices that could contribute to heart disease include:.

Poor Diet

A diet that is high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium can lead to the development of heart disease.

Such a diet contributes to the build-up of plaque in the artery walls, which narrows the blood vessels, reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart, and increases the risk of a heart attack. Additionally, eating too many processed foods, sugary beverages, and alcohol could also lead to the development of heart disease.

Lack of Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle contributes to obesity and heart disease. Regular exercise, even a few times a week, helps to maintain a healthy weight, improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of developing CVD.

Sedentary jobs, lack of space for exercise, and lack of motivation are some of the barriers that prevent people from exercising.

Smoking

Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease, and it contributes to about one-third of CVD deaths.

Smoking damages the artery walls, increases blood pressure, and reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart, making it harder for the heart to function correctly. Additionally, exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of heart disease.

Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in the development of heart disease. Some people are more susceptible to heart disease due to a genetic predisposition. If a family member has had heart disease, there is a higher chance of developing the same condition.

Some of the genetic factors that contribute to heart disease include:.

Hypertension

High blood pressure is a common condition among people with a family history of hypertension. If left untreated, it could lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is another condition that can be inherited. It occurs when the body produces too much LDL (bad) cholesterol and not enough HDL (good) cholesterol.

The accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream could lead to the development of heart disease.

Underlying Conditions

Several underlying medical conditions could contribute to the development of heart disease. These conditions could cause damage to the heart, leading to the development of CVD.

Some of the underlying conditions that increase the risk of heart disease include:.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. High levels of blood sugar could lead to damage to the blood vessels, making it easier for plaque to build up in the artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Obesity

Obesity is a condition that occurs when a person’s body mass index (BMI) is above 30. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Studies suggest that losing as little as 5% to 10% of body weight could help to lower the risk of developing heart disease.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when breathing stops and starts during sleep. The condition is associated with high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. Treating sleep apnea could help to lower the risk of developing heart disease.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although it is a prevalent condition, several factors could contribute to its development.

Lifestyle choices, genetics, and underlying medical conditions are some of the factors that could increase the risk of developing heart disease. While some risk factors cannot be changed, such as genetics, lifestyle modifications, like healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, could help to lower the risk of developing heart disease.