Scientists from the US and South Korea have discovered that four known health problems are linked to almost all heart attacks and strokes.
These include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Together these preceded as many as 99 percent of all heart attacks and strokes. Even among women under 60, 95 percent of problems could still be traced back to these four factors. That is significant, because this was the group with the lowest risk.
Of all four, high blood pressure stands out as the biggest plague. High blood pressure was a factor in more than 95 percent of South Koreans and 93 of Americans who developed problems. If you combine this with any of the other three factors, the risk increases even further.
This can save lives
The study provides guidance to cardiologists and anyone who wants to take their health seriously. Instead of getting lost in less treatable cases, doctors can now focus more convincingly on these four risk factors. Preventive measures such as treatments with blood pressure medication and smoking cessation programs can really make a difference at scale, for millions of people.
