Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for acute coronary syndrome?

• A. Smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, and stress
• B. Age and family history only
• C. Non-modifiable factors only
• D. Obesity and smoking only

Answer: (A)

The main idea is the difference between risk factors you can change versus those you cannot. For acute coronary syndrome, many factors can be modified through lifestyle changes or medical treatment. Among these, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, and stress are all changeable with steps like quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure and lipids, better diabetes management, weight loss, increasing activity, adopting a healthier diet, and stress management. In contrast, age and family history are fixed and cannot be altered, so they are non-modifiable. Saying only obesity and smoking are modifiable is incomplete because there are several other factors you can influence. Therefore, the comprehensive list of modifiable factors best explains how risk can be reduced.