Genetics is also the major risk factor. Although genetics is to a great extent beyond our control and influence, there are many things that can be brought into play that can counteract the genetic previous position to cardiovascular disease. These issues will be reviewed in the alternative medicine section. Obesity and excessive weight is a problem growing in magnitude daily in Western civilization. Although it is an exceptionally complex topic from a cultural point of view, nevertheless, with will power in a deep desire to overcome this risk factor individuals can be hopeful.
Obesity presents a double barrelled problem.
First, it places excessive strain on the heart and the entire cardiovascular system. And second, the diet that usually leads up to the obesity condition can present the body with a myriad of negative factors. These factors involve nutritional deficiency problems, which in turn create systemic problems involving major organs, glands and premature aging. By inducing nutritional deficiencies of specific varieties can in fact significantly worsen existing or developing cardiovascular problems. Testosterone deficiencies are also considered a risk factor.