People in These Groups Face Higher Risk of Heart Disease, Early Precaution Is Essential

Kathmandu. People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar, as well as those who smoke for a long time, consume alcohol excessively, remain physically inactive, are overweight, have a family history of heart disease or live under long-term mental stress, are at higher risk of developing heart-related problems, health experts say.

Cardiovascular diseases have become a serious public health challenge worldwide. According to specialists, heart disease may appear sudden, but its risk often develops silently inside the body over many years. Fat accumulation in blood vessels, rising blood pressure, uncontrolled blood sugar, high blood lipids and unhealthy lifestyle habits are among the major causes.

Health workers say people with the so-called “three highs” — high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and high blood sugar — need to be especially careful. High blood pressure increases pressure on the inner walls of blood vessels. High cholesterol accelerates the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. Diabetes or high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nervous system. If these conditions remain uncontrolled for a long time, the arteries supplying blood to the heart may narrow, blood flow may be obstructed and the risk of heart attack may increase.

Smokers also face a higher risk of heart disease. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco products can damage blood vessels, raise blood pressure and put extra strain on the heart. Smoking can also increase the tendency of blood to clot, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. Doctors say quitting smoking is one of the most effective steps to protect heart health.

Similarly, harmful alcohol consumption can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and weakening of the heart muscle. Although alcohol is often treated lightly as a social habit, excessive long-term drinking can affect the heart, liver, nervous system and mental health. Health experts advise avoiding harmful alcohol use.

People who sit for long periods and engage in little physical activity are also at increased risk. Lack of regular walking, exercise or physical labor can lead to weight gain, difficulty controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, and reduced heart function. Doctors say this risk is becoming more common as office work, transport, mobile phones and computer-based lifestyles expand.

Obesity is another important risk factor for the heart. When excess body fat increases, the heart has to work harder. This can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and sleep-related problems. Experts suggest that obesity should not be understood only as a matter of appearance or body weight, but as a condition linked to heart, blood vessel, hormonal and metabolic health.

People with a family history of heart disease should also remain alert. If a father, mother, brother or sister developed heart disease at an early age, the risk may be higher for other family members as well. A family history of cardiovascular disease before age 55 in men and before age 65 in women is considered medically significant. In such cases, regular health checkups and monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are necessary.

Long-term mental stress can also be harmful to the heart. Constant anxiety, work pressure, lack of sleep, family stress or emotional imbalance can increase stress-related hormones in the body. This may speed up the heartbeat, raise blood pressure and push people toward unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, smoking or alcohol use. Stress management is therefore an important part of heart health.

According to health experts, regular health screening is essential to reduce the risk of heart disease. Timely checks of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body weight, waist measurement and lifestyle habits can help identify risks early. If risks are detected, medication, dietary improvement, exercise and lifestyle changes can be started under medical guidance.

A balanced diet, reducing salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, eating enough fruits and vegetables, walking regularly, avoiding smoking, staying away from harmful alcohol consumption, getting adequate sleep and managing stress are basic measures for maintaining heart health.

Doctors say symptoms such as pain or pressure in the center of the chest, difficulty breathing, pain spreading to the left shoulder, arm, back, neck or jaw, cold sweating, nausea, extreme weakness or sudden faintness may be signs of a serious heart problem. If such symptoms appear, people should seek medical care or emergency services without delay.

Health experts say heart disease cannot always be completely prevented, but many risk factors can be controlled. If high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, stress and harmful alcohol use are managed in time, the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure can be significantly reduced.

Heart health is not only a matter of individual habits. Easy access to healthy food, safe public spaces for walking, testing facilities in primary healthcare services, health education and timely treatment are also equally important. Therefore, prevention of heart disease should be treated not only as a matter of personal responsibility, but also as a priority of public health policy.

Note: This article is intended for general health awareness. For personal diagnosis, treatment or medication, consultation with a qualified doctor is necessary.