What it means
A risk factor that can be changed by habits or treatment. Examples are smoking, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, too much alcohol, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood glucose. Nonmodifiable risk factors cannot be changed: age, sex, family history and genes.
For the nurse
Health teaching targets modifiable factors. Set small goals with the client, one change at a time.
At a glance
| Also written | modifiable risk factors |
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Related terms
risk factor
Anything that raises a person's chance of getting a disease or having a harmful event.
lifestyle
The way a person lives day to day, including eating, activity, sleep, smoking, alcohol use and stress.