High blood pressure also increases the heart's workload, forcing it into overtime and causing it to enlarge and weaken gradually. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure. Many smokers have probably been told many times that their risk of heart attack is more than twice that of non-smokers. Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor in sudden cardiac death. Smokers who do suffer a heart attack are more likely to die and die suddenly than are non-smokers.
Evidence shows that passive smoking can also increase the risk of heart disease.
Regular to moderate exercise can really help prevent heart and blood vessel disease. Even modest levels of low impact physical activity can be helpful if done regularly and long-term. Exercise does wonders in controlling blood cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, as well as lowering blood pressure for many people. Women who have excess body fat are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they don't have any other risk factors. Obesity is unhealthy because it places a lot of strain on the heart.