High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in various parts of the body. 2 Regular to moderate exercise is important in preventing heart disease and lowering blood pressure. More than half of the African American female population have sedentary lifestyles and do not achieve the recommended level of exercise. This is consistently and negatively related to the development of chronic disease in African Americans. People who have excess body fat are more likely to develop heart disease and other health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.
Excess weight increases the strain on the heart, raises blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
Losing 10 to 20 pounds can help lower heart disease risk. Improved nutrition and sensible health habits can help to control high blood pressure and directly reduce obesity, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells which travels through the bloodstream. It is made in your body, but can also come from foods derived from animals. Cholesterol can become a problem if you have too much in your body.