The Biggest Risk For Heart Disease

While several factors contribute to heart disease risk, smoking is often cited as the single biggest modifiable risk factor. Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases the risk of blood clots.  

Other major risk factors include:

• High blood pressure: This condition puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.  
• High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.  
• Diabetes: Diabetes damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.  
• Obesity: Excess weight strains the heart and increases the risk of other heart disease risk factors.  
• Family history: A family history of heart disease can increase your risk.  

It’s important to note that these factors often interact with each other, increasing the overall risk.

By managing these risk factors through lifestyle changes and medical treatment, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.