Which of the following is NOT a leading cause of heart disease?

Regular exercise is considered beneficial for heart health and is not a contributing factor to heart disease. In fact, engaging in regular physical activity helps to improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart, reducing blood pressure, and helping to manage weight. It can also improve cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of developing other risk factors associated with heart disease, such as obesity and poor metabolic health.

In contrast, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking are all established risk factors for heart disease. High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Obesity is often associated with other health issues, such as hypertension and diabetes, both of which further heighten cardiovascular risk. Smoking contributes to heart disease by damaging blood vessels, reducing oxygen in the blood, and increasing blood clotting, all of which can lead to serious heart conditions.

Therefore, regular exercise stands out as an activity that helps protect against heart disease rather than contributing to it.