exercise

no exercise is considered a risk factor of CAD. Is it because it can raise the cholesterol levels or is there some other reason????

[is_something_wrong]

Yes, no exercise decreases HDL cholesterol.

It also increases blood pressure.

Please, my friend. You're 18 years old and there's no way you can have a coronary artery disease. We can all feel funny sensations in the chest but not all of it is CAD.

Do not ruin your life by being afraid that normal phenomena are dangerous heart diseases. I'm a little worried for you, you seem to worry a lot for your heart. It only causes more palpitations.

Start exercising if you don't exercise today, it's the best way to prevent heart diseases in the future (and by future I mean 50 years +)

[Mom2four85]

that is true; and I think it's a reason I've seen a rise in my BP lately - no exertion no exercise and it scares the daylights out of me.  I never had to worry before because I exercised, stayed healthy and was on the go all the time, my heart was strong.

even if you can do something - walk around your house; do squats; knee lifts, use cans in the pantry as weights etc... anything that will help your heart stay strong and healthy will help you - set a goal; small goals like walk for 1 min every hour (that's my goal per my dr for the first 2 weeks) then work your way up to higher intensity and longer duration then add each time