Nine modifiable risk factors for heart attack

New Delhi, Sunday, July 5, 2009: The majority of known risk factors for heart attack disease are modifiable by specific preventive measures, said Dr KK Aggarwal President, Heart Care Foundation of India and Director, IMA AKN Sinha Institute, while addressing a gathering of over 150 doctors at Moolchand Hospital here today.

Nine potentially modifiable factors account for over 90 percent of the population attributable risk of a first heart attack. These include smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, psychosocial factors, daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, regular alcohol consumption, and regular physical activity.
In addition, aspirin is recommended for primary prevention of heart disease for men and women whose 10-year risk of a first heart attack event is 6 percent or greater.
Smoking cessation reduces the risk of both heart attack and stroke. One year after quitting, the risk of heart attack and death from heart disease is reduced by one-half, and after several years begins to approach that of nonsmokers.
A number of observational studies have shown a strong inverse relationship between leisure time activity and decreased risks of CVD. We recommend a brisk walk for 20 minutes, optimally daily, for primary prevention.