Evidence shows that passive smoking can also increase the risk of heart disease. Regular to moderate exercise can really help prevent heart and blood vessel disease. Even modest levels of low impact physical activity can be helpful if done regularly and long-term. Exercise does wonders in controlling blood cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, as well as lowering blood pressure for many people. Women who have excess body fat are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they don't have any other risk factors.
Obesity is unhealthy because it places a lot of strain on the heart.
It is also linked to CAD because it affects blood pressure, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increases the chances for diabetes to develop, through yet some unclear factors. Obesity, or being overweight, can lead to other conditions, like depression and stress. And it's true that stress and how you respond to it can be a contributing factor to heart disease. Scientists have noted a direct relationship between CAD and a person's life stress, behaviour habits and socio-economic status which can affect already established risk factors. For example, if a person is stressed, she may overeat, start smoking or increase her daily intake of cigarettes.