Lack of physical activity Lack of physical activity is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Even moderately intense physical activity is beneficial if done for at least 30 minutes, five or more days each week. Exercise can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, as well as help to lower blood pressure in some people. Click here to learn more about physical activity . Obesity and overweight 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. If you can lose as little as 10 to 20 pounds, you can help lower your heart disease risk. Click here to learn more about obesity and overweight . Diabetes mellitus Diabetes seriously increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Even when glucose levels are under control, diabetes seriously increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.