Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue. Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness. Each of a number of factors increases your risk for heart disease. Smoking damages the lining of the blood vessels and raises blood pressure. It is the biggest of all the risk factors you can change.
Cholesterol is a fatlike substance in the blood.
It can cause fatty deposits called plaque to build up and narrow your blood vessels. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk for heart disease. This damages the lining of the vessels. Exercise strengthens your heart. It can also lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and help you control your weight.