This condition is called atherosclerosis. Fat and cholesterol build up in the arteries and create places of inflammation. This buildup is called plaque. The plaque makes the inside of the arteries narrower and stiffer, and less blood can get to the heart. The condition develops slowly and may start in childhood, according to the American Heart Association.. It can affect the arteries of the brain, heart, kidneys, and the arms and legs. Severe plaque buildup can eventually result in a heart attack or stroke. This happens when an area of the heart does not get enough oxygen.

The heart and brain can be permanently damaged if they don't receive the blood they need. When this occurs in the heart, it is known as a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction). When this occurs in the brain, it is known as a stroke (cerebrovascular accident).

As you get older, your risk increases. In men, the risk increases after age 45. In women, it increases after age 55. Your risk increases if your father or brother was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55. Your risk also increases if your mother or sister was diagnosed before age 65. These are risk factors you can control: your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. You can cut your risk by not smoking and by getting regular exercise. You can also cut your risk by visiting your healthcare provider regularly. Follow your provider's advice on getting health counseling and using medicines.

You have high blood pressure when your blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg on several separate occasions. Blood pressure can be normal, elevated, or stage 1 or stage 2 high blood pressure:

• Normal blood pressure is 120/80. This means a systolic reading of less than 120 and a diastolic reading of less than 80.
• Elevated blood pressure is a systolic reading of 120 to 129 and a diastolic reading of less than 80.
• Stage 1 high blood pressure is a systolic reading of 130 to 139 or a diastolic reading between 80 and 89.
• Stage 2 high blood pressure is a systolic reading of 140 or higher or a diastolic reading of 90 or higher.

Smoking also makes it more likely for blood clots to form.

For healthy adults ages 18 to 65, one option the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends is to do an average of 40 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise 3 to 4 days a week to keep their heart healthy. Brisk walking, swimming leisurely, basketball (shooting around), and ballroom dancing are good choices. Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program. You may need a special cardiac rehabilitation program if you have had a heart attack.

A BMI of 25 or higher means that you are overweight. A BMI of 30 or higher means that you are obese. Losing weight may help you prevent heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Besides helping your heart, maintaining a healthy weight has many other benefits.

Too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart, lead to high blood pressure, raise triglycerides, and increase weight\. Moderate drinking is no more than 2 drinks a day for a man and no more than 1 drink a day for a woman. One drink is 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1-1/2 ounces of 80-proof spirits. According to the AHA, some studies have shown a small increase in HDL cholesterol with moderate use of alcohol. This extra HDL cholesterol can remove some of the LDL cholesterol. It can also decrease hardening of the arteries. If you don’t drink alcohol, don’t start drinking to get the benefits of alcohol. You can get same the benefits through exercise and a healthy diet.

Call 911 right away if you or someone you're with has these symptoms. According to the AHA, chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women. Nausea and vomiting, back or jaw pain, and especially shortness of breath may be more likely in women than men. Don't hesitate to get help. The problems needs to treated right away.