Heart disease remains the world’s biggest killer. Conditions like heart attack, stroke, and heart failure take millions of lives each year, often without warning. But new research brings both a wake-up call and a message of hope: almost every serious heart event is linked to preventable causes.
A large study has revealed that more than 99% of people who suffered a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure had at least one major cardiovascular risk factor before the event. These factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and tobacco use. All issues that can be detected and managed early.
At Helicopteros Sanitarios, we use this kind of evidence to guide our Full Medical Check Up in Sotogrande, designed to help patients spot and control risk factors before they become serious health problems.
The power of prevention
The study analyzed health data from more than 9 million adults in South Korea and nearly 7,000 adults in the United States, following them for up to 20 years. This long-term view allowed researchers to track people’s blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and smoking habits long before they had any heart problems.
The conclusion was clear: almost all heart attacks, strokes, and cases of heart failure could have been prevented with better control of these four key risk factors.
The four main risk factors
These are the major culprits identified in the study:
- High blood pressure – The most common risk factor. It was present in over 95% of participants before their heart event. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it shows no symptoms until it causes serious damage.
- High cholesterol – When cholesterol builds up in arteries, it narrows blood flow and increases the chance of clots.
- High blood sugar or diabetes – Elevated glucose levels damage blood vessels over time, making heart attacks and strokes more likely.
- Tobacco use – Smoking weakens arteries, lowers oxygen in the blood, and accelerates plaque buildup.
Even among women under 60—traditionally thought to be at lower risk—more than 95% had at least one of these factors at unhealthy levels before a heart event.
Why high blood pressure stands out
The study found that high blood pressure was the most common and dangerous factor across all groups. It affected the vast majority of participants in both countries. The problem is that it’s easy to overlook because it causes no pain or early symptoms. Yet it quietly strains the heart, damages arteries, and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The good news? It’s also the easiest to detect. Regular blood pressure checks can catch it early, and lifestyle changes or simple medication can bring it under control.
What this means for you
Heart disease doesn’t appear overnight. It builds slowly, often over years of unnoticed changes in your body. That’s why early detection matters. A single check-up that includes blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and lifestyle evaluation can identify silent risks long before they become life-threatening.
Simple habits can also make a difference:
- Eat less processed food and more fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a 30-minute walk each day.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
- Schedule routine health checks to monitor your numbers.
These small steps can lower your chances of heart attack or stroke dramatically.
Take charge with a Full Medical Check Up in Sotogrande
At Helicopteros Sanitarios, our Full Medical Check Up in Sotogrande focuses on early detection and prevention. We measure your key cardiovascular markers, review your lifestyle, and create a clear plan to keep your heart healthy.
You can’t control everything in life, but you can control your risk factors. Knowing your numbers today can prevent a life-changing event tomorrow.
Book your Full Medical Check Up in Sotogrande and take the most important step toward a stronger, healthier heart.