nonmodifiable risk factor is an occurrence over which a person has no control . A modifiable risk factor is one in which a person may exercise control , such as through a lifestyle change , personal habit , or medication . A risk factor may operate independently or concurrently with other risk factors . The greater amount of risk factors a person possesses , the greater the incidence of coronary artery disease ( CAD ). At-risk individuals should be advised to seek regular physical examinations , as well as to engage in heart healthy behaviors . These efforts will reduce the number and extent of risks .
Risk factors are classified by the degree to which they can be modified by changes in lifestyle or personal behavior . Some nonmodifiable risk factors include :
• CAD Family History : Firstdegree relative with cardiovascular disease at 55 years of age or younger for men and 65 years of age or younger for women
• Age : More than 45 years of age for men , more than 55 years of age for women
• Gender : Men develop CAD at an earlier age than women
• Race : Higher incidence of heart disease in African Americans than Caucasians
Modifiable risks include : hyperlipidemia ; cigarette smoking ; tobacco use ; hypertension ; diabetes ; metabolic syndrome ; obesity ; and physical inactivity . The Framingham Risk Calculator is used by healthcare providers to estimate an individual ’ s risk for having a cardiac event within the next 10 years . The calculator generally considers traditional risk factors ( i . e ., age , sex , blood pressure , smoking status , total cholesterol , and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ) and the presence of diabetes , which are recommended to be used in clinical practice to estimate patients ’ cardiovascular disease risk ( Arenault , Pibarot , & Despres , 2009 ).
There are also structural differences between the hearts of a male and a female . These differences have significant implications in healthcare . It is know that the heart of a female tends to be smaller ; the coronary arteries of a female are narrower in diameter . Women develop CHD later than a man due to the cardioprotective benefits of estrogen . For females , three key elements of this hormone benefit cardiovascular health . Estrogen increases HDL and transports cholesterol out of the arteries . It also reduces LDL , which deposits cholesterol within the arteries , and dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow to the heart .
According to Chobanian et al . ( 2003 ), hypertension ( mainly at an elevated systolic blood pressure ) increases an individual ’ s risk of CHD in those 50 years of age and older . Older patients need education and assistance with treatment and lifestyle modifications . If medications are introduced , it is recommended that diuretics be used as first- or second-line therapy due to comorbidities and drug interaction .
In 2015 , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) that nearly 15 of every 100 U . S . adults aged 18 years or older
( 15.1 %) currently smoke cigarettes . This means that an estimated 36.5 million adults in the U . S . currently smoke cigarettes . Smoking cessation education is the most cost effective intervention for healthcare providers .
Diabetes mellitus ( DM ) is also known to hasten the development of CHD . An increased amount of glucose in the blood stream promotes dyslipidemia , increased platelet aggregation , and altered red blood cell formation . These can lead to the formation of a thrombus . Strict control and management of patients with DM is essential in the management of CHD . Individuals with DM may have typical or atypical signs and symptoms of acute coronary syndromes . Yet , they may have increased ischemic risk of heart disease .
Additionally , a patient needs to undertake a structured program of activity , exercise , and dietary modifications to reduce CHD risk factors . A diet low in saturated fat and high in soluble fiber is recommended . Individuals may need other specific modifications in diet , such as the patient with DM . The healthcare provider may consult a dietician to assist an individual in following the appropriate dietary recommendations for their specific needs . To maintain compliance with recommendations , a patient needs to be accepting and aware of the dietary program . An introduction or maintenance of regular physical activity is essential . The healthcare team should support the patient in setting realistic goals for physical activity . The healthcare provider additionally
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