The more risk factors a person has, the greater the likelihood of developing heart disease. Heredity, gender, and age cannot be modified, but the others can be influenced by the individual's behavior. Several of these risk factors are interrelated. Obesity, lack of exercise, and cigarette smoking can raise blood pressure and adversely influence blood cholesterol levels. Some authorities believe that emotional stress is a risk factor, but the evidence for this is not clear-cut.
Exercise offers many benefits.
If LDL is too high or HDL is too low, a medically supervised corrective program should be started. The U.S. Surgeon General's Office has extensive information on smoking cessation. References Steenland K. Passive smoking and the risk of heart disease. Kawachi I and others. A prospective study of passive smoking and coronary heart disease.