..     Email link to a friend Printable version Factors You Can Change This group of risk factors stems mainly from the personal habits and practices which we have cultivated since childhood. Although it is more effective to check the development of unhealthy habits from young than to try and modify such habits later in life, the good news is that it is never too late to start adopting heart-healthy habits so as to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. The main risk factors which fall within this category are: High blood cholesterol High blood pressure Diabetes mellitus Overweight / Obesity Smoking Lack of exercise Stress     Back to top