Gallstones – Risk Factors

Transcript

Several factors can contribute to you developing gallstones. Some factors like your age, race, and family history cannot be changed. However, other factors such as diet and weight can be. If you have a family history of gallbladder problems, you may be more at risk than other people. Also suppose you have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. In that case, the chances of developing gallstones may increase. When it comes to gender, women are more likely than men to develop gallstones. This is particularly the case with pregnant women, those using hormonal birth control and those undergoing hormonal replacement therapy. In terms of race, gallstones tend to be more common among North American Indians and Hispanics. Also the older you get, the greater the chance you will have of developing gallstones. However, other factors such as an unhealthy diet or a sedentary lifestyle can be changed to lower your chances of developing gallstones. Gallstones are also common in overweight individuals, as well as people who eat a high fat diet consisting of many greasy and fried foods. Also people who drink many caffeinated drinks and very sweet foods tend to be at high risk of developing gallstones.