Smoking is the most important lifestyle risk and the most easy to eliminiate. The bad type of cholesterol is also of great importance and can be lowered most easily by modern drugs called statins. The protective kind of cholesterol can be increased by regular physical activity. The risk factor high blood pressure must be looked for and treated if found. Except for drastic weight reduction or the unpleasant and somewhat dangerous measure to reduce fluid and salt intake, only medical treatment can significantly reduce blood pressure.
Cardiac arrest is the most common cause of death.
Although it's risk increases with age, it happens to people in their best years. Cardiac arrest is potentially reversible in most cases. Yet, cardiac function must be supported or replaced by CPR within the first few minutes. Otherwise, irreversible brain damage occurs. Cardiac function can be sufficiently replaced by expert cardiac massage and assisted ventilation for a limited period of time.