The three most important are high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cigarette smoking. Other important risk factors are diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of heart disease. Most people can lower their risk of heart disease. A few simple measures can increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life. Blood Cholesterol High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.
Cholesterol is carried in the body by lipoproteins.
Low-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol from the liver into the blood vessels, allowing buildup in the blood vessel walls. A high LDL-cholesterol level increases your risk of heart disease. High-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol back to the liver to be removed from the body. A high HDL-cholesterol level reduces your risk of heart disease. This method indicates the risk of heart disease better than by measuring total cholesterol as a whole.