Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. The instant-death “widowmaker” heart attack doesn’t cost much but heart failure, survivable heart attacks and stroke add up to major Macroeconomic costs. That doesn’t count the cost of chronic illness and dementia caused by vascular problems.

I love big data. There are always exceptions but they are rare.

More than 99% of people who experienced a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke had at least one of four major cardiovascular risk factors — high blood pressure, cholesterol, or fasting glucose, as well as tobacco use — above ideal healthy levels beforehand. These are preventable risk factors.

This was a huge study with medical data from more than 9 million adults in South Korea and almost 7,000 adults in the United States.

Study participants were followed for up to 20 years, allowing scientists to see multiple measurements for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and smoking exposure before a participant had their first cardiovascular issue.

Past studies show there are a number of modifiable lifestyle factors that can help a person lower their risk for heart disease, including smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, drinking alcohol in excess, following an unhealthy diet filled with ultra-processed foods, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Of the four major cardiovascular disease risk factors studied, high blood pressure was the most common issue.

medicalnewstoday.com - Heart attack stroke heart failure linked to preventable risk factors

medicalnewstoday.com – 29 Sep 25
Heart attack, stroke: 99% of cases tied to 4 preventable risk factors

More than 99% of people who experienced a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke had at least one of four major cardiovascular risk factors above healthy levels, a new study reports.

Wendy