Cardiovascular risk refers to the probability of developing conditions such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure over a given time. It arises from the interplay of modifiable and non modifiable factors that affect blood vessels, the heart and metabolism.

Age and sex are major determinants, with risk rising steeply as people get older and typically appearing earlier in men. Family history and certain genetic variants further increase susceptibility, partly through effects on blood pressure, lipids and coagulation.

Among modifiable factors, high blood pressure, elevated LDL cholesterol and smoking are central. Hypertension damages arterial walls and accelerates atherosclerosis. High LDL promotes plaque formation while low HDL reduces protection against it. Smoking contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation and a prothrombotic state. Diabetes and prediabetes add risk through chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and associated dyslipidemia.

Lifestyle patterns strongly shape overall risk. Diets rich in salt, saturated fat, added sugars and ultra processed foods, combined with physical inactivity, favor obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Excess body fat, particularly abdominal, alters hormonal and inflammatory pathways. Low cardiorespiratory fitness is itself an independent predictor of events. Alcohol abuse and chronic stress also contribute through blood pressure elevation and metabolic disruption.

Risk is commonly estimated using multivariable equations that integrate age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and sometimes kidney function or socioeconomic status. These tools guide decisions on blood pressure targets, lipid lowering therapy and preventive measures.

Evidence shows that early and sustained changes such as smoking cessation, regular physical activity, weight management and heart healthy dietary patterns substantially reduce cardiovascular risk and improve survival.