Which one is the modifiable risk factor of the Coronary Heart disease?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2025

Explanation

Obesity is a condition characterized by excessive body fat, which can be managed or reversed through lifestyle changes.
These changes include adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and other behavioral modifications.
Because it can be changed, obesity is classified as a major modifiable risk factor for developing coronary heart disease.

Option B: Age is a primary non-modifiable risk factor. The risk for CHD naturally increases as a person gets older, and this biological process cannot be stopped or reversed.
Option C: Biological sex is a non-modifiable risk factor. Men are generally at a higher risk for CHD than pre-menopausal women. This inherent risk cannot be changed.
Option D: Family history and genetic predisposition are inherited traits that increase the likelihood of developing CHD. These factors are determined at birth and cannot be altered.

Visual 1: Infographic: A chart clearly separating Modifiable risk factors (like smoking, diet, obesity, inactivity) on one side and Non-Modifiable risk factors (like age, sex, family history) on the other for Coronary Heart Disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in assessing a patient's risk for CHD and providing education focused on managing modifiable risk factors.
Patient counseling on weight management, smoking cessation, regular exercise, and a heart-healthy diet is a key nursing intervention to prevent CHD.
What if a patient has a strong family history of heart disease (a non-modifiable risk)? It becomes even more critical for the nurse to emphasize strict control of all their modifiable risks, such as maintaining a healthy weight, to mitigate their overall risk profile.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question, which is 'modifiable risk factor'.
Define 'modifiable' in a clinical context: a factor that a person can take measures to change or control.
Systematically evaluate each option against this definition.
Can a person change their level of obesity? Yes, through diet and exercise.
Can a person change their age? No.
Can a person change their biological sex (in the context of genetic risk)? No.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Lewis Medical Surgical Nursing p. 157-546

Practise the full Raj. CHO -2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.