Aug 25, 2025: The most common cause of death is heart disease (CVD). These diseases account for 17.9 million deaths worldwide, with heart attacks and strokes playing a significant role. Some of the main risk factors can be avoided. Yes, that is correct. Dr. Jeremy London, a cardiovascular surgeon with more than 25 years of experience and board certification, has now identified three major risk factors for heart disease.

Obesity:
Heart disease is largely caused by obesity. Dr. The same is confirmed by London. However, several other risk factors for heart disease frequently accompany obesity. The surgeon continues, "You know, along with that, you know, comes poor diet and insulin resistance, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol." Damage to the arteries caused by these factors can raise blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The heart might have to work harder because of this. Obesity-related heart disease deaths increased by 180% in the United States between 1999 and 2020, according to a 2024 study. “Obesity is a serious risk factor for ischemic heart disease, and this risk is going up at an alarming rate along with the increasing prevalence of obesity. Everyone, but especially those in high-risk groups, should take steps to control their weight and lower their risk of heart disease. Lifestyle changes are key, such as eating healthier, exercising regularly, and working with health care professionals to monitor heart health,” the researchers said.

Living a sedentary life:
Sedentary living can increase heart disease risk even more than obesity. The new smoking is sitting. The body's ability to control weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure is hampered by prolonged sitting. A 2024 study found that sedentary behaviour for 10 hours or more per day is associated with heightened risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death, even in those who regularly exercise. Yes, that is correct; sedentary behavior cannot be reduced even through regular exercise. “Our findings support reducing sedentary time to reduce cardiovascular risk, with 10.6 hours per day marking a potentially significant threshold linked to increased heart failure and cardiovascular mortality,” according to the study. Too much sitting or lying down can be harmful for heart health, even for those who are active,” the researchers said.

Smoking:
The cardiac surgeon asserts that smoking is still the single most harmful habit for the heart, despite the fact that obesity and inactivity pose serious threats. That’s right. The worst thing you can do to your body is smoke. “Smoking affects the lungs, it affects all the arteries, and it's the leading risk factor really for heart disease,” Dr. London said in a podcast with Lewis Howes. A 2021 study found that smokers were more likely to die from heart disease than lung cancer. “Most people are aware of the risks of lung cancer with smoking, but many people who smoke do not realize that dying from cardiovascular disease is more likely than dying from lung cancer,” the lead author of the study said.

“The fact that the first sign of cardiovascular disease is more likely to be a fatal event in smokers is one of this analysis's most significant findings. Even before a person may be aware that they have heart disease, smoking is more likely to kill them,” the researcher continued.