All of the lifestyle factors this group considered are important, but clearly, stopping smoking is head and shoulders above the others. If none of the other low risk behaviors were considered, nonsmokers enjoyed a 74 percent reduction in risk. I see patients in our practice with heart disease in their 30s whose only risk factor is smoking. Fortunately, there are some new medications that are proving helpful for some patients. Some long-time smokers are finding it possible to stop with the help of bupropion HCI combined with some of the nicotine patch or gum products.
Healthy weight Maintaining a healthy weight for one's height is also very important.
Even among this study population comprised of health care professionals, obesity and lack of exercise were the two factors they were least likely to manage well. Losing weight isn't easy, and many people think a new diet drug or fad diet is the magic bullet to permanent weight loss. It seldom is. I am a strong advocate of reducing the amount of calories you eat and increasing physical activity to achieve slow, consistent weight loss. Exercise is a fundamental component of weight management, and it also contributes to cardiovascular health. . .