Don t smoke. Smokers have 2x the risk of heart attack and 2x-4x risk of sudden cardiac death that of nonsmokers. The tars found in cigarettes may lead to increasing the rate cholesterol building up on the arteries. Although quitting smoking may decrease one s risk for associated diseases not all damage can be reversed. Limit intake of alcohol.
Alcohol can increase blood pressure and directly affect the heart.
This condition leads to arteriosclerosis and hypertension. If you have close relatives that have died from cardiovascular disease your risk is increased. A disruption in the supply of blood to the brain is called a stroke. Blacks and Hispanics have a much greater risk of stroke than whites. Stroke is best prevented by detecting and treating high blood pressure.