If you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, your heart attack risk is about twice that of a non-smoker. But no matter how long or how much you have smoked, you can immediately reduce your heart attack risk by quitting. Pregnancy may trigger high blood pressure, especially during the third trimester, but pregnancy-induced hypertension generally disappears after childbirth. While hypertension can't be cured, it can be controlled with diet, exercise and, if necessary, appropriate medication. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so it is important to have your doctor regularly check your blood pressure.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood that contributes to atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol levels can be controlled by eating a low-fat diet, getting regular exercise, and in some cases, taking medication. Obesity is a strong predictor of heart disease, especially among women. Some research has found that the distribution of fat is also an important predictor of heart disease risk and that women whose weight tends to accumulate around the waist are at greater risk than women whose weight accumulates around the hips. Beware of fad diets or programs that guarantee rapid weight loss. Healthy weight loss is gradual and is accomplished by improving eating habits and increasing physical activity.