Identifying Modifiable Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

A 45-year-old female patient presents to the clinic for a routine health examination. She has a family history of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. During the examination, the nurse discusses lifestyle modification strategies to reduce her risk factors for chronic diseases.

The nurse explains that, according to the American Heart Association, one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease is __________.