Obstructive sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It has a major impact on cardiovascular function.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when too much force is applied to blood vessel walls by the blood that the heart pumps around the body.
Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle
Lifestyles have become more sedentary, and this inactivity can negatively impact health.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake over the long-term is linked to cardiovascular disease as well as other risk factors like high blood pressure.
Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases and reduces health in general.
Obesity and overweight
Obesity and being overweight is a condition where a person carries excessive body fat that presents a risk to health.
High cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat produced by the liver that circulates in the bloodstream and is essential for functioning. It is also found in some foods. High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease
There is no one cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but there are several factors that increase your risk – some that can be changed, and some that cannot.