Know the Risk Factors for Potential Cardiovascular Events

A recent large-scale international study has provided eye-opening insights into just how common cardiovascular risk factors are before major heart or vascular events. Researchers from Northwestern Medicine (U.S.) and Yonsei University (South Korea) analysed health data from more than 9 million Korean adults and nearly 7,000 U.S. adults over many years. They found that over 99% of individuals who went on to suffer a heart attack, stroke or heart failure already had at least one traditional risk factor — such as above-optimal blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, raised blood sugar or a history of tobacco use — before the event.  

What this tells us is that these serious cardiovascular events are rarely completely “out of the blue.” While doctors have long known about risk factors, this study shows just how near-universal they are. For example, elevated blood pressure (above what the American Heart Association considers “ideal” — even if not yet in the clinical “high blood pressure” range) was present in over 95% of the cases.  Recognising and acting on the “non-optimal” levels of these risk factors becomes that much more important — because waiting until they become clinically “diagnosed” may mean missing the chance to intervene early.  

Given these findings, there are concrete steps individuals — including seniors — can take to lower their cardiovascular risk and improve long-term health:

• Monitor and control blood pressure. 
• Manage cholesterol levels. 
• Keep blood sugar in check. 
• Avoid tobacco and support quitting. 
• Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle overall. 
• Work closely with your healthcare provider. 

To learn more about risk factors that may lead to cardiovascular events, from the American College of Cardiology, CLICK HERE.