What Is A Risk Factor?

Since most diseases have identifiable "risk factors," we should know exactly what that means. Here are the important points:

• A risk factor is not a cause.
• A risk factor is a variable which, when present, increases the chance of something occurring.

Risk factors are signals of possibilities or potential problems. They are like red flags to catch our attention.

So, if a person has a risk factor for a certain disease, it does not mean s/he will get that disease. That person may never get that disease.

On the other hand, if a person does not have a risk factor for a particular disease, it does not mean s/he will not get that disease. That person may very well get that disease, despite the fact that s/he did not have any risk factors.

The bottom line is that if a risk factor is present, it serves to alert loved ones and physicians to be more alert and observant than they might otherwise be. The sooner you spot a problem the easier it is to treat.