Chronic
diseases share common risk factors and conditions. While some risk factors,
such as our age, sex, and our genetic make-up, cannot be changed, many behavioural
risk factors can be modified, as well as a number of intermediate biological
factors including high blood pressure, being overweight or obese, elevated
blood lipids, and pre-diabetes. Societal, economic, and physical conditions
influence and shape behaviour and indirectly affect other biological factors.
The recognition of these common risk factors and conditions is the conceptual
basis for an integrated approach to chronic disease.
According to the World Health Report 2010,
the major risk factors include:
- Tobacco Use
- The Harmful Use of Alcohol
- Raised Blood Pressure (or Hypertension)
- Physical Inactivity
- Raised Cholesterol
- Overweight/Obesity
- Unhealthy Diet
- Raised Blood Glucose
