Answer: Heart disease has become more prevalent in the United States because of the lifestyles that the average American has. Factors that contribute to heart disease are; obesity, smoking, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, an unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity. The definition of high blood pressure has been changed in recent years which (from 140/90 to 130/80), the redefinition of high blood pressure resulted in more Americans being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. When the heart is weak as a result of heart disease the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the lungs and kidneys is reduced and fluid can build up in both, this can result in the improper removal of fluid and waste in the body. The excess fluid tends to show up as swelling or edema in the legs and feet.