Modifiable (factors that can be influenced)
Smoking
Smoking contributes to the narrowing of the arteries, the formation of blood clots and the development of heart rhythm disorders. In the longer term, it gradually damages the arteries. The risk is the same regardless of the type of tobacco used (cigarettes with or without filters, pipes, cigars, water pipes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes).
The risk of cardiovascular disease, and particularly of myocardial infarction, is also increased in the case of passive smoking.
High blood pressure
Blood pressure refers to the force with which blood flows through the arteries. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two figures: for example, 130/80 mmHg, where the first figure indicates the pressure when the heart contracts (systolic) and the second when it relaxes (diastolic).
High blood pressure is diagnosed when the first figure exceeds 140 mmHg and/or the second exceeds 90 mmHg. In this case, the heart has to work harder and the arteries can become damaged. Hence the importance of having your blood pressure checked regularly and discussing it with your doctor.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is essential for the body to function properly. However, too much of it is harmful to health. A distinction is made between ‘bad cholesterol’ (or LDL cholesterol) and ‘good cholesterol’ (or HDL cholesterol). A blood test, carried out on an empty stomach, can detect high levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolaemia. When LDL cholesterol is high, it accumulates on the walls of the arteries in the form of fatty deposits (atheromatous plaques). Over time, these deposits can grow, slow down and even block blood flow: this is atherosclerosis.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a component of lipids. High levels of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridaemia) increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, though to a lesser extent than an isolated increase in cholesterol.
The risk of a cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event is significantly higher if hypertriglyceridaemia is combined with high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL cholesterol).
A healthy diet can help lower triglycerides and cholesterol.
Diabetes
When blood glucose levels (the level of sugar or glucose in the blood) are, in at least two measurements, above 1.26 g/l on an empty stomach, a person is considered diabetic. When diabetes is poorly controlled, excess glucose in the blood damages the walls of the arteries and harms the blood vessels (6.5% of the population).
Overweight
A person is considered overweight if their body mass index (BMI) is over 25, and obese if it is over 30. You can use a calculator to work this out.
Poor diet
An unhealthy diet—one that is too high in calories, low in fruit and vegetables, and high in fats and sugars—contributes to the development of metabolic diseases: overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Sedentary lifestyle
Any adult who does less than 30 minutes of physical exercise a day is considered sedentary. A half-hour walk a day can be enough to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Alcohol
Regular alcohol consumption increases cardiovascular risk and contributes to the development of high blood pressure, angina, alcoholic cardiomyopathy (damage to the heart muscle), heart rhythm disorders and stroke.
Stress / Mental health
Stress is a normal bodily reaction to certain life events. When stress becomes long-term (chronic stress), it affects quality of life. There are many causes (difficult family situations, excessive workload, etc.).
Stress manifests itself in various ways: physically (notably by increasing blood pressure and blood sugar levels) but also mentally and emotionally. Cardiovascular diseases are a risk factor for depression and deteriorating mental health. It also appears that depression is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Sleep disorders
The link between chronic sleep deprivation and cardiovascular risk is now clearly established in the scientific literature. The quality and quantity of sleep have a significant impact on cardiovascular health.
High blood pressure: Simple steps to protect yourself
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