There is no one particular cause or reason behind heart diseases. A combination of several risk factors lead towards acquiring a cardiac disease, which can be classified into modifiable and non-modifiable.

The major difference between the two is that non-modifiable risk factors include age, gender, and genetics – factors that cannot be changed. On the other hand, modifiable risk factors include smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol – factors that can be changed with lifestyle changes and medical intervention.

In this article, we will take a look at the different types of heart diseases, their causes, and risk factors. We will also learn about the steps that can be taken to prevent these diseases.

Non-modifiable risk factors

• Ageing

  Getting old is one of the biggest risk factor which cannot be dealt with. As we age, risk of cardiac diseases increases manifold.

• Family History

  A family history of cardiovascular disease makes you prone towards it.

• Gender

  Men are at greater risk of heart disease than a pre-menopausal woman.  Post menopause, the risk for both becomes similar

• Ethnicity

  African and Asians are at higher risks of developing cardiac disease than other racial groups.

Modifiable risk factors

• Hypertension

  High blood pressure plays a significant role in heart attacks and thankfully it can be prevented and successfully treated if diagnosed at early and managed properly.

• Cholesterol

  High total cholesterol and low HDL or good cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease.

• Smoking or tobacco use

  Both of these increases risks of cardiac disease.  Long term passive smoking is also a risk factor. 

• Physical inactivity

  Not moving around too much and as a result gaining weight increase the risk of heart disease.  Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes and diabetes in turn is a big risk factor for heart diseases.

• Diet

  High saturated fat diet increases the risk of heart disease.

• Alcohol

  Binge drinking or excessive consumption of alcohol will damage the heart muscle.

• Medication

  Certain drugs such as the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of Coronary heart diseases.

The best way to prevent heart disease is to know your risks and take action to reduce your chances of developing the disease. There are many different heart health checkup packages available at Indus Health Plus, and the ideal package for you depends on your age and existing health status and body functioning. 

Contact us to find out which package is right for you.