heart attackIt turns out to be very rare for it to happen without warning. A recent international study involving millions of medical records found that more than 99 percent of people who have previously experienced a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure already had at least one risk factor above the optimal threshold.

This study shakes up the long-held understanding that some cases of heart disease occur suddenly without signs. In fact, almost all patients show risk conditions that can be identified long before the fatal event occurs. This finding was published through a global research network and highlighted by Northwestern Now as one of the most comprehensive studies in the field of cardiovascular.

The aforementioned findings reinforce the view that early prevention is the key. By identifying and managing risk factors early, the public can avoid most potentially life-threatening cardiovascular events.

Main Risk Factor: From Blood Pressure to Lifestyle

Researchers found that risk factors are not limited to congenital diseases, but are also greatly influenced by modern lifestyle.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Two Major Enemies

High blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL) are the most frequently encountered causes in patients who experienceheart attack. Both work silently, damaging blood vessels for years before symptoms appear.

Experts emphasize the importance of routine checkups, especially for those over 35 years old. Blood pressure checks and a lipid profile at least once a year can help detect risks earlier. In addition, consuming foods low in saturated fat and exercising regularly have been shown to reduce the risk by up to 30 percent.

Diabetes and Obesity: A Deadly Combination

In addition to blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and obesity also form a dangerous combination. High blood sugar levels accelerate damage to blood vessels, while obesity increases the heart's workload. In the study, patients with these two risk factors were twice as likely to experience heart failure compared with those who did not have them.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly reminded that a high-sugar diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep are major triggers for obesity and diabetes.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Risks in the Modern Era

Changes in digital lifestyle patterns make many people less active. This study notes that a sedentary lifestyle or sitting for more than eight hours a day increases the risk.heart attackas large as 20 percent. Simple physical activity such as walking 30 minutes a day has been shown to provide significant protection against heart disease.

Multinational Study and Its Impact on Health Policy

This study, which includes data from various continents, shows a consistent pattern across all regions: there are almost no cases of heart disease without risk factors.

Global Health Database

The research team collected millions of medical data from North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They found that geographical variation does not affect the core fact—the risk factors remain the main determinants. Even in countries with the best healthcare systems, cases of 'sudden without warning' are very rare, below 1 percent.

This study also highlights the importance of the role of the national health system in promoting early detection. Many countries are now beginning to expand screening programs for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Relevance for the business world and active professionals

For entrepreneurs, office workers, or professionals with busy schedules, the results of this study serve as a serious warning. Work pressure and lack of time for exercise often worsen health without realizing it.

Some global companies are starting to adopt policies.wellness programsuch as regular health checks, group exercise sessions, or incentives for employees who maintain fitness. This measure has been shown to reduce absenteeism due to cardiovascular disease by up to 15 percent.

Prevention is more effective than treatment.

Researchers agreed that prevention is far more efficient than treatment.

Early detection saves lives

Checking blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar is not just a formality. Early detection enables doctors to perform timely interventions such as lifestyle changes or drug therapy to reduce the risk of attacks.

Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones of Northwestern University emphasizes, "There is nothing truly 'sudden' about heart disease. The symptoms can appear years before a crisis occurs, but they are often ignored."

Diet and Activity as Pillars of Health

A balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. On the other hand, regular physical activity such as running or cycling strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation.

The combination of the two, together with stress management, is the most effective strategy for preventing.heart attack.

Health Technology and Modern Monitoring

Now, the devicewearablesuch as smartwatches and health apps capable of monitoring heart rate, oxygen levels, and daily physical activity. This technology gives the public the opportunity to monitor heart conditions in real time, strengthening early detection efforts.

Health Awareness: Global Challenges That Are Continuously Tested

Although knowledge about risk factors is already widespread, public awareness remains a major challenge. Many people only seek medical attention after serious symptoms appear.

Governments in various countries are now striving to improve public health education through the "Know Your Numbers" campaign, which invites the public to know their own blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

In addition, the medical community is encouraging cross-sector collaboration to create data-driven policies. This approach is expected to reduce the economic burden caused by cardiovascular diseases, which amount to billions of dollars each year.

This global study proves thatmore than 99 percent of heart attack and stroke cases.can be traced to one or more controllable risk factors. This fact confirms that early prevention is far more effective than waiting for symptoms to appear.

Maintaining blood pressure, body weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels at an ideal level is not only a matter of longevity, but also of quality of life. For active and busy readers, simple steps such as routine checkups and regular exercise can be the most valuable health investment.

Also read other health articles onInseminationto gain a deeper understanding of how modern lifestyle affects the risk of heart disease and how you can protect yourself starting now.