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A Merciless Killer 

Sep 24, 20244 min read

Every thirty-three seconds, an American dies due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, 1 in 5 deaths in the United States is due to CVD. Illnesses affecting the heart are most common in adults above the age of 50, with many factors contributing to the extent of the illness (CDC, 2023). However, one's risk of developing or succumbing to this illness can be significantly reduced with simple environmental changes. While genetics and environmental factors heavily influence CVD, most individuals are not aware of the interplay between these two determinants. 


Despite the lethal effects of CVD, early onset manifestations are often asymptomatic, making diagnostics and treatments difficult to administer. Stressful events, environmental changes, and hereditary history, are all prevalent factors of CVD but don’t produce noticeable symptoms until patients are alarmingly ill. However, as the field of healthcare progresses, determinants of CVD are better understood, and early detection can prevent such illnesses from commencing (CDC,2023). Even though disease involving the cardiovascular system can be classified as detrimental, the manipulation of determinants can reduce symptoms of the illness. According to the National Institute of Health, having just one parent with cardiovascular disease increases one’s risk of CVD by 40-60% (Hajar, 2020). To elaborate, there is no singular gene for CVD, but rather a plethora of genes, including high cholesterol and slow metabolism, which may lead to CVD, later on in life. For example, Dilated cardiomyopathy, an inherited disease where the left ventricle of the heart enlarges, can be passed down from the LMNA gene affecting chromosome 1, or gene MYH7, affecting chromosome 14. On the other hand, the occurrence of heart attacks has been linked to the Myocyte Enhancing Factor 2A (MEF 2A) gene (MedlinePlus, 2024). However, inheriting specific genes doesn’t necessarily mean one develops a form of CVD in their life. Environmental and lifestyle factors trump genetics, when it comes to the outcomes of cardiovascular illness. 


Inheriting a gene linked to a form of CVD isn’t a death sentence, and individuals with such genes can live lengthy and healthy lives. As stated by Aruni Bhatnagar, a doctor at the Diabetes and Obesity Center and the Institute of Molecular Cardiology, 82% of negative cardiovascular events can be prevented by simply following a healthy lifestyle (Bhatnagar, 2018). A healthy lifestyle could simply involve a balanced diet and 15 minutes of exercise, daily, to prevent catastrophic instances of poor cardiovascular health. However, the environments of patients with inherited genes of CVD are statistically unhealthy.  The reason why cardiovascular disease is incredibly rampant in developed Western nations, is because of unhealthy shared lifestyles. CVD patients are more likely to smoke, consume unhealthy fried foods, and refrain from exercise if their family members follow similar paths. Families with a history of cardiovascular illness also present high levels of Low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which prompts stress on the heart (Bhatnagar, 2018). The presence of LDL cholesterol is often gained through improper nutrition and unhealthy eating habits, which are incredibly common in families suffering from CVD.  Therefore, even though genetically inherited cardiovascular genes aren’t lethal, lifestyles promoted by family members lead to the manifestation of CVD. 


When individuals picture the word “air pollution” they often imagine dangerous fumes and smoke inhalation, in outdoor settings. However, the majority of adults suffering from the effects of air pollution, are due to the air quality of their own homes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the majority of adults, above the age of fifty, spend 90% of their time indoors, yet still suffer side effects of air pollution (EPA, 2024). From candles to carbon monoxide poisoning, several determinants of cardiovascular disease constantly lurk within the average household, prompting air pollution. When used improperly, vapors from household cleaning supplies can contaminate the air supply, which has been linked to causing forms of CVD. Fireplaces, gas water heaters, and furnaces are among a plethora of household supplies that produce copious amounts of carbon monoxide, and if left unventilated, trigger carbon monoxide poisoning (EPA, 2024). These common household factors place stress on the cardiovascular system, as well as the lungs, increasing the risk of CVD, among an array of different health concerns.


A merciless killer, cardiovascular disease is responsible for over 600,000 deaths, annually, in the USA. With genetic and environmental factors affecting the outcomes of the illness, CVD explores hereditary and environmental effects on human health. However, despite stigma and misconceptions about CVD, this disease is almost entirely preventable and manageable with a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and early detection. 


 

Written by Geet Joshi


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