Study finds 99% heart attack, stroke cases linked to ‘modifiable’ risks
**New Study Reveals 99% of Heart Attack and Stroke Patients Had Major Cardiovascular Risk Factors**
A recent study published in the *Journal of the American College of Cardiology* highlights that nearly all individuals who experience heart attacks or strokes have at least one of four major cardiovascular risk factors prior to the event. The research found that 99% of participants had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, or tobacco use leading up to their cardiac episodes.
Among these risk factors, high blood pressure was the most prevalent. The study analyzed more than 600,000 cases in South Korea and an additional 1,000 adults in the United States, tracking participants for up to 20 years. Researchers monitored blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and smoke exposure throughout the study period.
High blood pressure affected over 95% of South Korean participants and more than 93% of U.S. participants. “This is important because high blood pressure is fairly easily detectable but often asymptomatic, so it is frequently overlooked,” said Philip Greenland, the study’s senior author and professor of preventative medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Our findings show how important it is to recognize it and treat it.”
According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure readings above 120/80 mm Hg should be addressed, as should fasting glucose levels of 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher. Total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or above is also considered a major risk factor. Greenland noted that other risk factors for cardiovascular disease—such as genetics or certain blood markers—are non-modifiable.
While regular monitoring of blood pressure and lab tests at medical appointments is commonly recommended based on age and health history, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising routinely are also vital for reducing risk.
“In brief, as we have known for many years, there are a small number of modifiable risk factors for heart disease, and at least one, but often more than one, is present in the background leading up to heart attacks, heart failure, or strokes,” Greenland emphasized. “Patients should ensure that these four factors are assessed at every medical visit, and if there is even a slight elevation—as highlighted in our paper—efforts must be made to treat that factor to prevent heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.”
**Takeaway:** Regular health check-ups focusing on blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and tobacco use are crucial in preventing serious cardiovascular events. Awareness and management of these risk factors can save lives.
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/09/29/study-heart-attack-stroke-risks/3161759197171/
