1. Cardiovascular Disease
Risk Factors

2. Risk Factors Modifiable (controllable)
Non-modifiable (non-controllable)

3. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
Age
Sex
Males
Transgender research regarding hormone treatment may indicate increased risks
Race
Genetics and Family History

4. Modifiable Risk Factors
Hypertension
Blood Lipids
Smoking
Physical Activity
Diabetes
Obesity
Inflammation
Stress
Substance Abuse

5. Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force blood applies to arterial walls
High blood pressure = “hypertension”

6. Hypertension
High blood pressure exerted against walls of arteries can cause damage
Bleeding & clotting
Plaque accumulation

7. Hypertension

8. Hypertension
Over time, hypertension can enlarge heart (muscle thickens due to increased work)
Enlarged heart over time may lose efficiency

9. Blood Lipids Amount of fat present in the blood Main markers
Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein aka “the bad cholesterol”)
When LDL is damaged, it can adhere to blood vessels
HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein aka “the good cholesterol”)
Lowered risk unless HDL is dysfunctional
Triglycerides
Video

14. Smoking Nicotine can increase blood pressure
Chemicals in smoke can damage artery lining
Gases in smoke can interfere with oxygen delivery
Heart must work harder
Smoking can lower HDL

15. Physical Activity Regular aerobic activity can reduce risk
Walking
Running
Bicycling
Others?
Reduction in blood pressure
Blood lipid improvement
Increased HDL
Reduced total cholesterol

16. Diabetes Type I and Type II Increased risk for blood vessel damage
Type II = much more common
Increased risk for blood vessel damage
Vulnerability to other risk factors

17. Inflammation Inflammation can contribute to vessel lining damage
Markers for inflammation in the blood increase risk
C-reactive protein
Inflammation can contribute to vessel lining damage

18. Your Turn: Stress
What are the mechanisms behind how stress can increase risk for cardiovascular disease?