World Heart Day: Who are more prone to cardiovascular problems

Cardiovascular complications are a common cause of death around the globe. Every year about 17.9 million people lose their lives due to heart-related issues, which amounts to 31 per cent of global deaths. Of all, 85 per cent of deaths happen due to heart attack and stroke.

The heart is a very delicate organ in the human body. It purifies the blood round the clock, which is transported all around the body through blood vessels. Your heart health depends on a lot of factors. Some of them cannot be controlled like your age and hereditary, but you can reduce the risk by addressing behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity and physical inactivity. Here is a list of people more prone to cardiovascular problems.

Over time high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing heart-related complications. Persistent high blood pressure can damage arteries connecting the heart, which puts a lot of pressure on the heart, making you vulnerable to heart problems.

The high level of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) causes the build-up of fatty deposits within the arteries. The layers of fat deposition reduce or blocks the flow of blood and oxygen needed by the heart. This causes chest pain, followed by a heart attack.

The inability of the body to produce enough insulin or not respond to hormones properly can be another risk factor. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause a spike in the blood sugar level, increasing the chances of heart problems.

Being overweight is harmful to health in a number of ways. It increases the risk of kidney problem, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart stroke and cardiac arrest. Maintaining a healthy BMI number can prevent several diseases and increase your longevity.

Eating healthy and staying physically active both are important to stay at the pink of your health. Being inactive contributes to high blood cholesterol levels and obesity, both can serve as the foundation of several health conditions, heart issue being one of them.

Smoking and long term exposure to secondhand smoking, both are dangerous for heart health. Tobacco can damage the heart and blood vessels, which can make you more prone to cardiac issues.

Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy, increasing the lifetime risk of heart disease. Even having an auto-immune condition like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can increase your risk of a heart attack.

It is true that stress and anxiety are part and parcels of a modern busy life, which can not be ignored. But it is essential to manage your stress level by practising yoga or by other means, else in no time it can turn into a chronic heart condition.

Heart-related issues are common among people with a family history of cardiovascular issues. Many cardiac issues run in the family, like congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease. It is inherited and cannot be prevented.

As we grow old, the muscles of our internal organs become weak, making us more prone to different kinds of health conditions. Men above 45 and women above 55 are more likely to suffer from heart conditions as compared to younger men and women.