Which of the following is NOT a controllable risk factor for heart disease?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Obesity
• C. Age
• D. Alcohol abuse

Answer: (C)

The question is about which heart disease risk factors you can influence versus ones you can’t. Age stands out as not controllable because you can’t change how old you are. Your age will increase risk over time, but you can’t modify that aspect of your biology.

The other items are modifiable. Hypertension can be managed through medications, weight loss, reduced sodium intake, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes, which help lower blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Obesity can be reduced with a balanced diet and physical activity, which lowers several risk factors linked to heart disease. Alcohol abuse is something you can change by reducing or stopping intake, which can lessen the added strain alcohol can place on the heart and blood vessels.

So, age is the factor you cannot control, while the others can be addressed to reduce heart disease risk.