If the blockage occurs in a blood vessel serving the heart muscle, a heart attack results. If it occurs in a blood vessel serving the brain, a stroke results. There are many factors that increase the risk of heart disease. The three most important are high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cigarette smoking. Other important risk factors are diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of heart disease.
Most people can lower their risk of heart disease.
A few simple measures can increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life. Blood Cholesterol High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Cholesterol is carried in the body by lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol from the liver into the blood vessels, allowing buildup in the blood vessel walls. A high LDL-cholesterol level increases your risk of heart disease.