Discuss three risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

What will be an ideal response?

Obesity is considered not based on weight alone but on a body mass index (BMI) which is also dependent on height. A BMI >30 is considered obese. Obesity puts an extra strain on the heart to pump the blood and increases blood pressure. And although it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease on its own, it also linked to higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease.
  
Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol promote atherosclerosis and obesity. Diets high in salt (sodium) raise blood pressure. Unrefined whole grain foods and oily fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower cholesterol. Fruits and vegetables with fewer calories help maintain a healthy weight to prevent obesity and control blood pressure.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is also considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure above 140 and/or diastolic pressure above 90. It's considered a partially modifiable risk factor in that it may be partly due to genetics and partly due to lifestyle choices. When blood pressure is lowered with the use of medications and/or lifestyle changes, the risk of developing heart disease is lowered.