How Much Does Eliminating One or Two Cardiovascular Risk Factors Matter? Evidence from the Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium

Abstract Five modifiable cardiovascular risk factors—hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity—account for approximately 50% of the global burden of cardiovascular disease. Recent data from the Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium show that the absence of diabetes and smoking is associated with the lowest risk in terms of life expectancy and years lived free from cardiovascular disease. A systolic blood pressure below 130 mmHg, lower non-HDL cholesterol levels, and normal body weight are associated with a later onset of cardiovascular disease and a more modest increase in life expectancy. The absence of hypertension is correlated with the greatest number of years lived free from cardiovascular events. Smoking is confirmed as one of the most influential risk factors in terms of its impact on health and longevity. Individuals who eliminate hypertension and smoking in midlife gain the greatest number of additional years of life free from cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, respectively. Male sex emerges as a traditional, non-modifiable risk factor independent of modifiable risk factors. Finally, even the absence of all the risk factors considered remains associated with a residual lifetime probability of developing cardiovascular disease.