The Risk factors for developing heart disease

There are several risk factors for developing heart disease; high LDL cholesterol is only one. Family history plays a significant role. If your father had a heart attack or stroke prior to age 55 or your mother had a heart attack or stroke prior to 65, you have a higher risk. The same increased risk factor applies if your siblings had heart attacks or strokes in those age brackets. High blood pressure, smoking cigarettes, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, being 30% or more over  your ideal body weight (as determined by your BMI), metabolic syndrome, leading a sedentary lifestyle, HDL of less than 40 mg/dL and women with premature menopause all increase your heart attack and stroke risk factors. A previous personal history of any kind of cardiac event also puts you at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Exercise and other physical activity a preventive for heart disease

Steady exercise or physical activity is a very real and effective way to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cardiovascular exercise is the best way to strengthen your heart muscle, raise HDL levels and reduce blood pressure. To get the most heart health benefit out of any exercise routine, you need to get your heart rate elevated. If you have not exercised for an extended period of time and otherwise lead a sedentary lifestyle, you should consult your physician before starting any exercise program. Once you have been given the go ahead you still need to start slow and increase your exertion at a rate you are comfortable with for two reasons. First is your muscles including your heart need time to build up. Trying to do it all at once will make you sore and may not be the smartest for your heart. The second reason is that if you injure yourself by using muscles and tendons that are not accustomed to that kind of intense use, you may end up with injuries or be so sore that you don't feel like staying consistent with your exercise routine. Consistency is the most important aspect. You will increase your conditioning quickly if you are regular with your newfound exercise routine.