What lifestyle modification can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease?

Regular exercise is a lifestyle modification that has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Engaging in regular physical activity helps improve heart health by raising levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, and lowering levels of triglycerides. It also helps reduce blood pressure and manage weight, which are both critical factors in preventing heart disease.

Additionally, exercise enhances overall cardiovascular function, improves metabolic health, and decreases the risk of conditions such as diabetes, which is closely linked to heart disease. Regular physical activity has numerous benefits, including reducing stress levels, enhancing mood, and improving overall health, all of which contribute to a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease.

In contrast, other options presented, such as increased sodium consumption, regular smoking, and a high sugar diet, are known to contribute to higher risks of coronary heart disease and various other health complications. Sodium can lead to hypertension, smoking damages blood vessels and heart muscle, and a high sugar diet is associated with obesity and other metabolic disorders, all of which increase cardiovascular risks.