Understand global heart attack risks with 9 key factors identified by researchers across 52 countries, including dyslipidemia, psychological stress, diet, and physical activity.
Globally, heart diseases account for approximately 80% of cardiovascular conditions, ranking as the leading cause of death worldwide. However, the factors contributing to heart disease may vary across different countries. Understanding these variations is crucial for effective prevention strategies tailored to specific regions.
A comprehensive study conducted by Canadian researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 individuals who experienced a first-time heart attack across 52 countries spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, South America, and North America. The research aimed to identify the most influential factors contributing to the risk of heart attack. The findings were published in a recent issue of the medical journal Lancet. Researchers discovered that over 90% of the risk of heart attack is associated with modifiable risk factors that vary in prevalence across different regions of the world, and also by gender and age. These factors include:
- Dyslipidemia, particularly the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (a ratio that requires further explanation).
- A history of previous heart conditions.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Psychological and social factors.
- Low consumption of fruits and vegetables.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Lack of regular physical activity.
Therefore, addressing these factors is essential in managing and potentially preventing the occurrence of first-time heart attacks.</
According to the study, the potential impact of addressing these factors on the primary prevention of heart attack events varies: a 3.3-fold increased risk is associated with an elevated ratio between apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A1, as this ratio is indicative of cardiovascular risk. Apolipoprotein B refers to a protein associated with LDL cholesterol, while apolipoprotein A1 is linked to HDL cholesterol. This ratio is considered a more reliable indicator of heart attack risk compared to simply measuring cholesterol levels.
The study also revealed that the risk of heart attack increases by 2.9 times in cases of dyslipidemia, 2.7 times with psychological and social stressors, 2.4 times in diabetic individuals, 1.9 times in those with a history of previous heart conditions, and 1.1 times in cases of hypertension.
The study also indicated that the risk can be reduced by up to 30% with daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, and reduced by 14% with physical activity and exercise of moderate to high intensity on a regular basis. Limiting alcohol consumption to 3-4 drinks per week can further decrease the risk by approximately 9%.
The researchers emphasize that, despite the availability of resources to limit the risk of heart attack, a global approach to prevention is necessary, tailored to the psychological aspects of individuals across different populations worldwide.
