Ask most people to name the worst thing they could do for their heart, and there’s a good chance smoking tops the list. That instinct isn’t wrong—tobacco has a well-earned reputation as one of the most damaging habits for the cardiovascular system. But when it comes to understanding your own risk of heart problems, the full picture is a bit more complicated than a single bad habit.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and it rarely comes down to just one thing. Genetics, age, diet, activity level, sleep and stress all play a role, and many of the factors that matter most can’t be seen or felt from day to day. That’s part of what makes heart health so tricky: You can feel perfectly fine for years while changes are quietly happening inside your body.
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The encouraging news is that much of heart disease is considered preventable. An estimated 90% of heart disease could be prevented through diet and lifestyle habits, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Even if heart problems run in your family, your genes aren’t your destiny.
So what should you be paying the most attention to? One cardiologist pointed to a risk factor that may surprise you—and it has nothing to do with lighting up.
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What Is the Biggest Risk Factor for Heart Problems?
According to one cardiologist, it’s high LDL cholesterol. Dr. Norman Lepor, MD, cardiologist, Cedars-Sinai, previously told Parade that while tobacco does the most damage as a habit, LDL cholesterol is the risk factor to watch most closely.
“Using tobacco is the worst habit for heart health, but having high levels of LDL cholesterol is the biggest risk factor [for experiencing cardiovascular health issues],” Dr. Lepor said. He explained that the difference comes down to behavior: Habits are more about what people do than risk factors are.
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LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol because too much of it can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. Over time, that buildup can narrow blood vessels and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol typically doesn’t cause symptoms, which is why routine blood work is the only way to know where your levels stand.
That doesn’t mean tobacco gets a pass. “Smoking and vaping significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and peripheral vascular disease, which can lead to leg amputations in severe cases,” Dr. Lepor said. He added that regular tobacco use can also cause plaque to build up in the coronary arteries, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels—meaning the worst habit and the biggest risk factor are closely connected.
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How to Lower Your LDL Cholesterol
The good news is that there’s plenty you can do to keep LDL cholesterol in check. Dr. Lepor recommended avoiding trans fats, which are commonly found in fried foods, and minimizing foods high in sodium and saturated fat. Instead, he suggested filling your plate with foods rich in unsaturated fats, such as seafood, avocado and nuts. He also regularly recommends the Mediterranean diet to his patients, which emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats.
Regular exercise matters too. Dr. Lepor said that staying active is another key way to help keep LDL cholesterol levels down.
If your cholesterol is already high, Dr. Lepor strongly encouraged talking with your doctor about prescription medications such as statins. And if you’ve been prescribed one, taking it consistently is just as important as filling the prescription. “It’s easy to forget to take your heart health medication because you aren’t necessarily seeing or feeling a difference, but they really do help keep LDL cholesterol levels down,” he said.
The bottom line? Quitting tobacco is still one of the best things you can do for your heart—but knowing your cholesterol numbers and taking steps to manage them may matter even more.
Adapted from Parade’s This Is the Worst Habit for Heart Health, According to Cardiologists by Emily Laurence Sardinha.
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Norman Lepor, MD, Cardiologist, Cedars-Sinai 90 Percent of Heart Disease Is Preventable Through Healthier Diet, Regular Exercise and Not Smoking, Cleveland ClinicHence then, the article about a cardiologist says this is the biggest risk factor for heart problems hint it s not smoking was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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