Do pre-diabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, and subsequent cardiovascular disease just happen by chance? Because you are unlucky, or because it runs in your family?

Thankfully, we now know that you have a choice in the matter. Here is what you need to know.

High blood pressure accounts for about 14 percent of all deaths each year. It is the single greatest risk factor for heart disease. And heart disease is the number one cause of death.