Summary:
A groundbreaking study led by Northwestern Medicine and Yonsei University reveals that over 99% of individuals who experienced a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure had at least one nonoptimal cardiovascular risk factor beforehand. Analyzing health records of over 9 million South Korean and nearly 7,000 U.S. adults, the study highlights the critical importance of addressing modifiable risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and smoking. These findings underscore the need for proactive health management to prevent devastating cardiovascular events.
What This Means for You:
- Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly to identify nonoptimal levels early.
- Quit smoking and adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle to significantly reduce your cardiovascular risk.
- Engage in routine health screenings, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
- Future outlook: Early intervention in managing these risk factors can drastically lower the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure.
Over 99% Have a Risk Factor Before Heart Attack, Stroke, or Heart Failure, Large-Scale Study Finds:
More than 99% of individuals who suffered a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure had at least one nonoptimal risk factor, according to a large-scale study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The study analyzed health records of over 9 million adults in South Korea and nearly 7,000 in the U.S., emphasizing the prevalence of risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and smoking.
“The study shows very convincingly that exposure to one or more nonoptimal risk factors before these cardiovascular outcomes is nearly 100%,” said Dr. Philip Greenland, senior author and professor of cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
The Risk Factors:
The study focused on four major risk factors, defined by the American Heart Association:
- Blood pressure ≥120/80 mmHg or on treatment
- Total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL or on treatment
- Fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL, diabetes diagnosis, or on treatment
- Past or current tobacco use
In a secondary analysis, clinically elevated thresholds were also examined, including blood pressure ≥140/90, cholesterol ≥240, glucose ≥126, and current smoking.
The Findings:
Over 99% of individuals who developed cardiovascular disease had at least one nonoptimal risk factor, with 93% having two or more. Hypertension was the most prevalent, affecting over 95% of patients in South Korea and 93% in the U.S. Even women under 60, often considered low-risk, exhibited at least one nonoptimal factor in over 95% of cases.
More information: Very High Prevalence of Nonoptimally Controlled Traditional Risk Factors at the Onset of Cardiovascular Disease, Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2025.07.014
Extra Information:
American Heart Association: High Blood Pressure – Learn how to manage and monitor blood pressure to reduce cardiovascular risk.
CDC: Quit Smoking – Resources and strategies to help you stop smoking and improve heart health.
People Also Ask About:
- What are the most common risk factors for heart disease? High blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and smoking are the primary risk factors.
- Can heart disease be prevented? Yes, by managing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and regular screenings.
- How often should I check my blood pressure? Adults should check their blood pressure at least once a year, more often if levels are nonoptimal.
- Is smoking cessation really effective in reducing heart disease risk? Absolutely, quitting smoking significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular events.
Expert Opinion:
“This study reinforces the critical importance of early detection and management of cardiovascular risk factors. Proactive measures, such as lifestyle changes and regular health screenings, can drastically reduce the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure,” emphasizes Dr. Philip Greenland.
Key Terms:
- cardiovascular risk factors
- high blood pressure management
- cholesterol control strategies
- blood sugar monitoring
- smoking cessation benefits
- heart attack prevention
- stroke risk reduction
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
Source link
