Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is the world’s leading cause of death. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million people die each year from heart disease, accounting for 31% of all deaths.

The tragic part is that many of these deaths could be prevented if people addressed the risk factors associated with heart disease.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease refers to a wide range of conditions that affect your heart. Some of these conditions include:.

Coronary artery disease
Heart rhythm problems
Heart valve problems
Heart muscle problems

Heart disease is typically the result of a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions.

What Are the Risk Factors for Heart Disease?

Many of the risk factors for heart disease are modifiable, meaning you can take steps to reduce your risk. Some of the most common risk factors include:.

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Poor diet
Sedentary lifestyle

Other risk factors for heart disease cannot be modified, including:.

Age
Family history of heart disease
Being male

Unaddressed Heart Disease Risk Factors

While many people are aware of the common risk factors associated with heart disease, there are several less well-known risk factors that are often overlooked. Here are some unaddressed heart disease risk factors that are putting adults at risk:.

Stress

Chronic stress can take a toll on your overall health and increase your risk for heart disease. Many people experience stress in one or more areas of their lives, whether it be work, finances, or relationships.

Learning healthy coping mechanisms for stress is crucial for reducing your risk of heart disease.

Air Pollution

Exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Air pollution can cause inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the development of heart disease.

If you live in an area with high levels of air pollution, it’s important to take precautions to protect your heart health.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This condition has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

If you suffer from sleep apnea, seeking treatment is crucial for protecting your heart health.

Loneliness

Chronic loneliness can have a negative impact on both your mental and physical health, including an increased risk of heart disease. If you’re feeling lonely, it’s important to connect with others and seek support.

Oral Health Problems

Poor oral health, including gum disease, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Taking care of your teeth and gums is not only important for maintaining good oral health, but also for protecting your heart health.

Heavy Metal Exposure

Exposure to heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. If you work in an industry where you may be exposed to heavy metals, it’s important to take precautions to protect your health.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many of the risk factors for heart disease are well-known, there are several unaddressed risk factors that are putting adults at risk.

By taking steps to address these risk factors, such as reducing stress and improving oral health, people can protect themselves from the devastating effects of heart disease.