- Sedentary lifestyle
- Psychological factors
- Genetic factors
- Alcohol
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Coagulation (clotting) factors
- Lipoprotein (a)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of physical activities is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). It is similar to hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, and smoking. Regular exercise possibly has some protective effects against the development of atherosclerosis hence CAD. Sedentary lifestyle is also a significant risk factor of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperlipidaemia, which are main modifiable risk factors of CAD. Lack of exercise raises the risk of developing stroke and CAD by 50 %.
Psychological factors
Stress, depression, anxiety disorders, lack of social support, and some personality problems like hostility are linked with an elevated risk of CAD.
Genetic factors
Several genetic factors are associated with CAD. A type (DD genotype) of an enzyme (angiotensin-converting enzyme/ACE) has been linked with CAD and heart attack (myocardial infarction) because, it causes increased atheromatous plaque instability.
Alcohol
Although moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing CAD, high levels of alcohol intake, specially in binges, increase the risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Heavy alcohol intake can increase blood pressure and lead to high blood triglycerides, obesity, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, and stroke. It is safe to consume three to four units of alcohol a day for men and two to three units a day for women because, it won’t result in any considerable health problems.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
A type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (e.g. Celecoxib, Rofecoxib) have been associated with increased risk of CAD and mortality.
Coagulation (clotting) factors
Fibrinogen, which is a protein, is an essential factor for normal blood clotting mechanism. However, higher blood levels of fibrinogen is a strong independent risk factor for CAD because, higher levels of fibrinogen can promote the process of atherosclerosis and thrombosis too.
High levels of a protein called coagulation factor vii, which is one of the essential molecules for normal blood clotting, are also linked with the risk of CAD. Defects of the gene of factor vii increase the risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Homocysteine, which is an amino acid, has been linked with the process of atherosclerosis and CAD. Usually, blood homocysteine level is regulated by vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid. Higher blood level of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinaemia) is a main risk factor for CAD and increased mortality. Hyperhomocysteinaemia adversely affects on the lining of the arteries (endothelium) and promotes atherosclerosis. Low doses of folic acid may improve this adverse effect.
Lipoprotein (a)
High blood level of lipoprotein (a) is a risk factor of developing ischaemic heart disease. They can increase the adverse effects of other major risk factors further.
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Elevated blood CRP is associated with future risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) events independently of the other risk factors. However, it is not a reliable indicator to assess the process of atherosclerosis and CAD risk.
Related Links:
What Is Ischaemic Heart Disease?
Process of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
Complications of Atherosclerosis
Introduction: Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis
Non-modifiable Risk Factors of CAD
Modifiable Risk Factors of CAD
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Prevention Policy
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