It is estimated that smoking increases the risk of stroke, coronary hearth disease and impotence by 100 percent. You are not any safer if you are passive smoker, Passive smoking is known to be equally damaging.

Increasing urbanization has led to a sedentary life style resulting in abdominal obesity (large waist lines) which again has led to increase a risk of heart disease, especially among the Asian population.

What can you do? Is there a way out? Identifying the risk factors early can help prevent / prolong your risk for developing heart disease. Assess your risk and make positive changes in your diet and lifestyles.

Eat more good fats (unsaturated) and lesser bad fats (saturated and trans). Check for foods which are virtually trans fat free. Both amount and type of fat you eat matters.

Control you salt intake. If you are overweight, reduce weight by increasing physical activity and reducing calorie intake, especially liquid calories like sugary drinks etc.

Quit smoking. There is nothing better you can do for a healthy heart. Moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day is essential.

Manage your stress at home and at work. Check you blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure regularly .

The Future.
Looking at the rising rate of cardiovascular diseases, the future doesn't look too bright for the developing countries. Regardless of the advances in high-technology medicine, any major reduction in deaths and disability from CVD will come from prevention, not cure.

Lifestyle changes play an important role in preventing the risk of heart disease. Some personal choices in lifestyles and behaviour such as increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables, avoiding th use of tobacco, lowering bad fat intake and minimising stress will go a long way in helping you reduce the risk.