Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Risk Factors Modifiable (controllable) Non-modifiable (non-controllable)

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors Age Sex Males Transgender research regarding hormone treatment may indicate increased risks Race Genetics and Family History

Modifiable Risk Factors Hypertension Blood Lipids Smoking Physical Activity Diabetes Obesity Inflammation Stress Substance Abuse

Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the force blood applies to arterial walls High blood pressure = “hypertension”

Hypertension High blood pressure exerted against walls of arteries can cause damage Bleeding & clotting Plaque accumulation

Hypertension

Hypertension Over time, hypertension can enlarge heart (muscle thickens due to increased work) Enlarged heart over time may lose efficiency

Blood Lipids Amount of fat present in the blood Main markers Total cholesterol LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein aka “the bad cholesterol”) When LDL is damaged, it can adhere to blood vessels HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein aka “the good cholesterol”) Lowered risk unless HDL is dysfunctional Triglycerides Video

Smoking Nicotine can increase blood pressure Chemicals in smoke can damage artery lining Gases in smoke can interfere with oxygen delivery Heart must work harder Smoking can lower HDL

Physical Activity Regular aerobic activity can reduce risk Walking Running Bicycling Others? Reduction in blood pressure Blood lipid improvement Increased HDL Reduced total cholesterol

Diabetes Type I and Type II Increased risk for blood vessel damage Type II = much more common Increased risk for blood vessel damage Vulnerability to other risk factors

Inflammation Inflammation can contribute to vessel lining damage Markers for inflammation in the blood increase risk C-reactive protein Inflammation can contribute to vessel lining damage

Your Turn: Stress What are the mechanisms behind how stress can increase risk for cardiovascular disease?