The recent study looked at data from almost 200,000 Chinese adults who were 40 years or more in age, to find out the major modifiable risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular diseases. The data was collected between 2011 and 2016 through local community clinics and lifestyle questionnaires.
The participants were divided into different age cohorts: 40 to 55, 55 to 65, 65 to 75, and 75+. It is worth noting that age was not considered as a risk factor in itself but, as the results will show, it affects the other risk factors.
The scientists tracked 12 risk factors including socioeconomic and psychosocial factors such as low education and depression; lifestyle factors such as smoking, high alcohol intake, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and inappropriate sleep duration; and metabolic factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease.