Final answer:
The disorder that is a significant risk factor for myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death is hypertension or high blood pressure, compounded by additional risks like atherosclerosis and high LDL cholesterol levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and sudden death. This condition imposes additional strain on the heart by forcing it to pump harder, potentially leading to serious cardiovascular events if not managed properly.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, and other risk factors that contribute to them include high levels of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), low levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL), diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, characterized by the buildup of plaques in the arteries, greatly increases the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke, often requiring surgical intervention to restore proper blood flow.