Identification and ranking of cardiovascular diseases risk factors with MICMAC managerial approach

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide, and their prevention needs recognition of the factors affecting its occurrence and prospective planning. The aim of this study was to identify and rank the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases using MICMAC managerial approach. Methods: The present study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a comprehensive overview of cardiovascular disease risk factors was performed. In the second phase, the identified factors were ranked using MICMAC managerial approach. Results: In the literature review, 16 cardiovascular diseases risk factors including stress, anxiety and depression, nutrition and an unhealthy diet, low physical activity, smoking and drug consumption, hypertension, high blood lipids, overweight and obesity, age, gender, diabetes, family history, alcohol consumption, air and noise pollution, socioeconomic status, ethnicity and race and genetic factors were identified. According to the MICMAC approach and direct effects, three factors including unhealthy diet, obesity, and socioeconomic status were ranked first to third, as the most influential risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, respectively. Conclusion: According to the findings and focusing on the three factors of unhealthy diet, obesity and economic and social status, appropriate educational interventions, notification, and awareness raising among the community using the mass media are suggested.