Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but many heart problems can be prevented or treated early with healthy habits and medical care. Understanding common risk factors and warning signs can help people protect themselves and their families. High cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, stress, and poor sleep all increase the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood. LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol because it can buil...