Scientists have identified the causes of nearly 90% of deaths from heart disease
Nearly 90% of deaths from ischemic heart disease are linked to risk factors that people can control. Researchers cite high blood pressure, an unhealthy diet, and high cholesterol as the main risk factors.
This is according to a study published in the journal JAMA Cardiology.
Coronary heart disease develops when fatty deposits build up in the arteries. These deposits narrow the blood vessels and impair blood flow to the heart. The disease can lead to heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
The study authors analyzed U.S. mortality data from 1990 to 2023. They assessed the impact of 12 risk factors, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels, excess weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and air pollution.
The researchers found that 88.7% of deaths from ischemic heart disease were linked to factors that can be controlled or at least mitigated.
The most common risk factor was high blood pressure, which was linked to 47.2% of deaths. Unhealthy diet ranked second at 38.6%, and high levels of “bad” cholesterol ranked third at 28.5%.
“These factors often cause no symptoms, so people may not even be aware of the problem. We want to emphasize that coronary heart disease is preventable, and its risks can be managed,” said lead author Gregory Roth.
Overall, mortality from ischemic heart disease decreased significantly during the study period. In 2023, approximately 473,000 people died from it in the U.S.—58.7% fewer than in 1990.
Researchers attribute this, in particular, to a decline in smoking rates and better control of certain risk factors. At the same time, the situation regarding excess weight and elevated blood sugar levels is worsening.
Over the past few decades, the number of deaths linked to a high body mass index has risen by 12.5%, and those linked to elevated fasting blood sugar levels have increased by 10.5%.
“These are the factors that are currently rising the fastest. We need to focus on how to stop this alarming trend,” Roth noted.
Doctors emphasize that regular physical activity, a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. It is also important to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.
Particular attention should be paid to regular checkups, as high blood pressure or high cholesterol may not cause noticeable symptoms for a long time.
According to scientists’ estimates, more than 254 million people worldwide were living with ischemic heart disease in 2021.
Source: Medical News Today.
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