They collected data on each of these factors for over 40,000 women ranging from 50-79 years old who had a healthy body weight, had no history of heart disease, and weren’t on menopause hormone therapy. Their lifestyle practices were ranked (individually and collectively) as low-risk or high-risk for heart disease. 

Not surprisingly, having healthier behaviors across the board—like having a smaller waist circumference, not smoking, not drinking in excess, and eating healthfully—were linked to a significantly lower risk of heart disease including strokes and heart attacks.