Cardiovascular Disease

Causes

The exact cause of CVD isn't clear, but there are lots of things that can increase your risk of getting it. These are called "risk factors".

The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing CVD.

Risk Factors

High blood pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most important risk factors for CVD. If your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your blood vessels.

Smoking

Smoking and other tobacco use is also a significant risk factor for CVD. The harmful substances in tobacco can damage and narrow your blood vessels.

High cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. If you have high cholesterol, it can cause your blood vessels to narrow and increase your risk of developing a blood clot.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes your blood sugar level to become too high.

High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels, making them more likely to become narrowed.

Many people with type 2 diabetes are also overweight or obese, which is also a risk factor for CVD.

Kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should.

People with chronic kidney disease have an increased risk of developing other serious problems, including CVD.

Inactivity

If you don't exercise regularly, it's more likely that you'll have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and be overweight. All of these are risk factors for CVD.

Exercising regularly will help keep your heart healthy. When combined with a healthy diet, exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight.

Being overweight or obese

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for CVD.

You're at an increased risk of CVD if:

• your body mass index (BMI) is 25 or above, or 23 or above if you are from an Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern ethnic background – 
• your waist measurement is more than half your height – and work out if it’s more than half your height

Family history of CVD

If you have a family history of CVD, your risk of developing it is also increased.

You're considered to have a family history of CVD if you have a parent, brother or sister who had angina or a heart attack before the age of 60.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have a family history of CVD. They may suggest checking your blood pressure and cholesterol level.

Ethnic background

South Asian and Black African or African Caribbean background have an increased risk of getting CVD.

This is because people from these backgrounds are more likely to have other risk factors for CVD, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

Other risk factors

Other factors that affect your risk of developing CVD include:

• age – CVD is most common in people over 50 and your risk of developing it increases as you get older
• gender – men are more likely to develop CVD at an earlier age than women
• diet – an unhealthy diet can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure
• alcohol – excessive alcohol consumption can also increase your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and contribute to weight gain

Prevention Tips

A healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of CVD. If you already have CVD, staying as healthy as possible can reduce the chances of it getting worse.

Stop smoking

If you smoke, you should try to give up as soon as possible. 

Your GP can also provide you with advice and support. They can also prescribe medication to help you quit.

Have a balanced diet

A healthy, balanced diet is recommended for a healthy heart.

A balanced diet includes:

• low levels of saturated fat – try to include healthier sources of fat, such as oily fish, nuts and seeds, and olive oil, and avoid unhealthy fats such as fatty cuts of meat, lard, cream, cakes and biscuits
• low levels of salt – aim for less than 6 grams (g) (0.2oz or 1 teaspoon) a day
• low levels of sugar
• plenty of fibre and wholegrain foods
• plenty of fruit and vegetables – eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day

Exercise regularly

Adults are advised to do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as cycling or brisk walking.

If you find it difficult to do this, start at a level you feel comfortable with and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your activity as your fitness improves.

Visit your GP for a health check if you haven't exercised before or you're returning to exercise after a long break.

Maintain a healthy weight

If you're overweight or obese, a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you lose weight.

Cut down on alcohol

If you drink alcohol, try not to exceed the recommended limit of 14 alcohol units a week for men and women.

If you do drink this much, you should aim to spread your drinking over 3 days or more.

A unit of alcohol is roughly equivalent to half a pint of normal-strength lager or a single measure (25ml) of spirits. A small glass of wine (125ml) is about 1.5 units.

Your GP can give you help and advice if you're finding it difficult to cut down your drinking.

Medicine

If you have a particularly high risk of developing CVD due to high blood cholesterol, your GP may recommend taking medicines called statins to reduce your risk.