Study Finds 99% of Heart Attack and Stroke Cases Linked to Preventable Risk Factors
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nearly every case of heart attack or stroke can be traced back to preventable risk factors, according to a major new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Four Major Risks Identified
Researchers found that 99% of participants who experienced a heart attack or stroke had at least one of four conditions beforehand:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Elevated blood sugar
- Tobacco use
High blood pressure was the most common factor, affecting more than 95% of participants in South Korea and over 93% in the United States.
Long-Term Data From Thousands of Patients
The study tracked over 600,000 South Koreans and more than 1,000 U.S. adults for up to 20 years, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and tobacco exposure.
“This is important because high blood pressure is fairly easily detectable but it is asymptomatic, so often overlooked,” said Dr. Philip Greenland, senior author and professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Our findings show how important it is to recognize it and treat it.”
What Counts as a Risk
According to the American Heart Association, the following thresholds should be treated as red flags:
- Blood pressure over 120/80 mmHg
- Fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL or more
- Total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or higher
Greenland noted that while genetics and certain blood markers also influence heart health, these are not modifiable. The four major risks identified in the study can all be prevented or managed through medical care and lifestyle changes.
Preventing the Worst Outcomes
Doctors recommend that patients have their blood pressure checked and lab work repeated at each medical visit, especially as they age. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep are also critical in lowering cardiovascular risk.
“In brief, as we have known for many years, there are a small number of modifiable risk factors for heart disease, and at least one, but often more than one, are present in the background leading up to heart attacks, heart failure, or strokes,” Greenland said.
A Wake-Up Call
The findings underscore how many heart attacks and strokes could potentially be prevented with better screening and treatment, especially for blood pressure and cholesterol.
Do you believe enough is being done to make blood pressure and cholesterol checks accessible for all Americans? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
