What is the leading preventable cause of heart disease?

The leading preventable cause of heart disease is smoking. When a person smokes, it introduces harmful chemicals into the bloodstream, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and damage to the blood vessels. This process accelerates the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a primary contributor to coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues.

Studies and public health data consistently show that smokers are significantly more likely to develop heart disease compared to non-smokers, making smoking a major risk factor that can be controlled through cessation. While other factors like excessive alcohol consumption, poor dietary choices, and physical inactivity are also influential in heart disease risk, smoking remains the most impactful and direct cause that individuals can actively change. Thus, addressing smoking through prevention and cessation programs is crucial for reducing the incidence of heart disease.