Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for more than a century. Every 34 seconds, someone dies from heart disease and about every 40 seconds, someone has a heart attack.

Heart disease — also known as cardiovascular disease — includes a range of conditions that affect how the heart and blood vessels work. And it doesn’t just affect older adults — younger people can have heart disease, too.

“When people think about heart disease, they often think about blockages in the arteries. But the reality is, it’s much broader than that,” says Micah J. Eimer, MD, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine. “It’s problems with muscle function, valve function, the lining of the heart and electrical system.”

Heart Disease Risk Factors

Knowing your risk factors is the first step to preventing heart problems.

Common risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as the “bad” cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Being overweight and having a high body mass index (BMI)

The American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Updates from 2025 and 2026 show how common many of these conditions are:

• 47% of adults have high blood pressure.
• 57% of adults have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
• About 71% of adults have an unhealthy weight (BMI of 25 or higher).
• About 50% of adults have obesity or severe obesity.

Your family history also plays a role. If close relatives have had heart disease, your risk may be higher.

“You want to have time on your side,” says Dr. Eimer. “When you find out what’s going on early, almost all these things are preventable.”

How Healthy Habits Affect Heart Health

Daily habits have a powerful impact on long-term heart health. What you do every day — how you eat, move, sleep and manage stress — can either protect your heart or increase your risk of heart disease over time.

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of heart disease and lower your chances of a heart attack or stroke. On the other hand, unhealthy habits, such as a poor diet, lack of exercise and chronic stress, can gradually damage blood vessels and lead to heart disease.

Several healthy habits can affect heart health.

Eat a heart-healthy diet

A heart-healthy diet focuses on whole, nutrient-rich foods, including:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Healthy fats like avocado and salmon
• Lean protein, such as chicken, fish and beans
• Whole grains
• Foods low in saturated fat and trans fat

Limiting processed foods and choosing a variety of healthy food options can help lower cholesterol and support overall health.

A nutritious diet also helps maintain a healthy weight, which lowers strain on the heart.

Get quality sleep

Sleep is essential for heart health. Poor sleep or not getting enough rest can raise blood pressure, increase stress hormones and affect how your body regulates blood sugar.

Most adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and try to keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.

Manage stress

Chronic stress doesn’t just affect mood — it can take a toll on your heart and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Long-term stress can:

• Raise blood pressure
• Increase inflammation
• Affect sleep and eating habits

Find ways to manage stress, such as:

• Spending time outdoors
• Taking breaks throughout the day
• Connecting with friends and family

Taking time to relax is an important part of caring for your heart.

Stay consistent with physical activity

Regular exercise strengthens your heart and improves circulation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. From walking to strength training, find activities you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with them long-term.

Maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk for conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Tracking your BMI and focusing on habits like healthy eating and regular exercise can help you stay on track.

Why Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Matter

Knowing your numbers is an important part of protecting your heart health. Routine screenings can help detect potential problems early, often before symptoms appear.

Your doctor may check:

• Blood pressure, which can weaken blood vessels and make the heart work harder when it's too high.
• Cholesterol, which can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Blood sugar levels, which can lead to blood vessel and nerve damage over time.

Depending on your health history and risk factors, your doctor may also recommend additional tests or imaging. This may include a coronary calcium scan to look for calcium deposits in the arteries, which can be a sign of plaque buildup.

Together, these factors can increase your risk of heart disease. Regular screenings can help identify changes early and give you an opportunity to take steps to protect your heart. Talk with your doctor about what ranges are healthy for you and how often you should be tested.

Warning Signs To Watch For

Some people experience clear warning signs of heart disease, while others may not have any symptoms. Common signs include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

However, heart disease doesn't always cause symptoms. That's why it's important to know your risk factors and keep up with regular checkups, even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor if you notice any of these signs or have concerns about your heart health.

“The misconception is that someone can feel fine, so they don’t think they have a problem,” says Dr. Eimer. “Most people with heart disease don’t know they have it.”  

Go to your nearest emergency department or call 911 right away if you have severe chest pain or discomfort, especially if it occurs with shortness of breath, fainting or pain that spreads to your arm, jaw, neck or back.

Simple Steps To Support Long-Term Heart Health

Although heart disease is common, it’s also largely preventable.

By understanding your risk factors, watching for warning signs and adopting healthy habits, you can reduce your chances of serious complications like a heart attack or stroke.

The most important step: Start early and stay consistent with healthy habits.