Lifestyle factors and risk of disease

Lifestyle factors can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as poor diet (high in fat and cholesterol), smoking, alcohol, or lack of exercise.

Pre-existing conditions can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including type 2 diabetes (of which obesity is a risk factor), high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Many diseases are caused by the interaction of multiple risk factors.

Risk factors are linked to an increased rate of a disease, but a causal mechanism has not been proven for all of them. For instance, carcinogens are substances in the body or environment (e.g. ionising radiation) that are linked to causing cancer.

Non-communicable diseases are more common in poorer areas as inhabitants may be more exposed to negative risk factors, such as lack of fresh food, water, and shelter, and may be more exposed to substances such as pollutants.

Non-communicable diseases have costs at local, national, and global levels, decreasing quality of life and life expectancy, and putting emotional and financial strains on friends/family if a patient is unable to work or engage in daily life.