The fast-paced lifestyle of Hong Kong residents is well-known worldwide. Daily hustle and bustle for work often leads to irregular meals, prolonged sitting, and occasional overtime work. Exhausted after work, too tired to exercise, and just craving indulgent food to reward your hard work? Does this description resemble your lifestyle habits? Beware, as the risk of developing heart and cardiovascular diseases is steadily on the rise!

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among Hong Kongers, with 6,791 individuals losing their lives to it in 2022 alone, marking a new high in nearly a decade! Among various heart conditions, coronary heart disease is widely recognized. It occurs when the coronary arteries accumulate a thick layer of cholesterol, narrowing the arterial lumen and restricting or blocking blood supply. As a result, patients may experience angina or heart attacks during physical activity due to insufficient blood flow.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, emotional stress, and excessive pressure all contribute to an increased risk of developing heart disease, with nearly 80% of adults in Hong Kong having at least one or more cardiovascular risk factors! However, many of these factors are within our control and can be avoided. Let's explore together the various risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

7 Common Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Hong Kongers:

1. Aging: As we age, changes occur in the structure and function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. Elasticity, contractility, and the ability to handle stress decline with age.

2. High Blood Pressure: The prevalence of high blood pressure among Hong Kongers is quite significant, with 1 out of every 3 adults affected. Prolonged elevation in blood pressure increases the workload on the heart and damages blood vessels. The heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, leading to conditions such as cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms, resulting in a decline in heart function.

3. Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes often have elevated blood sugar levels, which can increase the levels of clotting factors in the blood, leading to blood clot formation and coronary artery blockage. Additionally, long-term diabetes can damage the nervous system, affecting the autonomic nervous system that controls heart function.

4. Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) over 27 is classified as obesity, indicating an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. Obesity is often a result of consuming excessive amounts of high-fat and high-salt foods, which can lead to the development of conditions known as the "3 highs" (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes). This combination significantly increases the risk of heart disease.

5. High Cholesterol: Cholesterol and triglycerides can contribute to the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. This causes the blood vessels to narrow, increasing vascular resistance and placing a greater burden on the heart. Normal cholesterol levels should be below 200mg/dl, and normal triglyceride levels should be below 160mg/dl.

6. Lack of Exercise: Moderate aerobic exercise can enhance the function of the heart and blood vessels, reduce excessive fat accumulation, and lower levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Prolonged periods of inactivity or lack of exercise keep the body in a sedentary state, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

7. Smoking: Chemical substances like carbon monoxide and nicotine found in tobacco cause blood vessels to constrict, damage the inner lining of blood vessels, and increase blood clotting, hindering the delivery of oxygen by red blood cells to various parts of the body. This disrupts normal blood flow, raises blood pressure, and increases the risk of heart disease.

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Disclaimer: This article is prepared by an independent third party and is not sponsored. The content provided is solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not represent any specific viewpoint. In the event of any discomfort or health issues, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly.