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People at greatest risk for metabolic syndrome have high abdominal obesity, an inactive lifestyle, and insulin resistance. Some racial and ethnic groups in the United States are at higher risk for metabolic syndrome than others.

Lifestyle changes can help you control your risk factors for metabolic syndrome and reduce your risk for coronary heart disease and diabetes. If you already have heart disease or diabetes, lifestyle changes can help you prevent or delay complications. Seek regular medical care if you are living with metabolic syndrome.

The exact cause of mitral valve prolapse is not known; however, most people are born with the condition. Mitral valve prolapse tends to run in families and is more common in people who are born with connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome.

Many people who have peripheral artery disease do not have any signs or symptoms. When people do have signs and symptoms of peripheral artery disease, they can include intermittent claudication, weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet, sore or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly, a pale or bluish color to the skin, a lower temperature in one leg compared to the other leg, poor nail growth, and erectile dysfunction.

Controlling certain risk factors by staying physically active, following a heart-healthy eating plan, quitting smoking, and losing weight if you’re overweight or obese can help prevent or delay peripheral artery disease and its complications. By following these recommendations, you can also prevent and control other conditions associated with peripheral artery disease, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and stroke.

Regular physical activity, at a moderate or vigorous aerobic intensity has many health benefits, which can include: strengthening your heart, improving lung function, reducing the risk for coronary heart disease and repeat heart attacks, lowering blood pressure and triglycerides in the blood, raising good HDL cholesterol levels, helping your body control blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation in the body, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, along with ongoing care and emotional support, may help you prevent or delay atherosclerosis and the problems it can cause.

Certain diseases, conditions, or factors can raise your risk for cardiomyopathy. Major risk factors include a family history, preexisting disease or condition, diabetes, diseases that can damage the heart, long-term alcoholism, and long-term high blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes—including quitting smoking, losing excess weight, avoiding the use of alcohol and illegal drugs, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress—and ongoing care can help you manage cardiomyopathy.

Carotid artery disease may not cause signs or symptoms until it severely narrows or blocks a carotid artery. Signs and symptoms may include a bruit, a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or a stroke. It is important to call 9–1–1 for emergency help if you think you are having a TIA or stroke.