Which of the following is a controllable risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

• A. Age
• B. Smoking
• C. Family history
• D. Gender

Answer: (B)

Controllable risk factors are those you can influence through your actions. Smoking is the one you can change—you can quit or avoid tobacco use. Tobacco harms the cardiovascular system in several ways: it damages the lining of arteries, accelerates plaque buildup, raises blood pressure and heart rate, reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, and makes blood more prone to clotting. All of these increase the likelihood of heart attack and stroke, so stopping smoking lowers risk and improves heart health over time. The other factors listed—age, family history, and gender—are biological factors you cannot alter.