When high blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times. Lack of physical activity is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Even modest levels of low-intensity physical activity are beneficial if done regularly and long term. Exercise can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity as well as help to lower blood pressure in some people. People who have excess body fat are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors.
Obesity is unhealthy because excess weight increases the strain on the heart.
It's directly linked with coronary heart disease because it influences blood pressure, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and makes diabetes more likely to develop. Our response to stress may be a contributing factor. Some data indicate a relationship between coronary heart disease risk and a person's life stress, behavior habits and socioeconomic status. These factors may also lead to other risk factors. For example, people under stress may overeat, start smoking or smoke more than they otherwise would.