All of the following are unavoidable risk factors for cardiovascular disease EXCEPT?

Cardiovascular disease has a range of risk factors, some of which are unavoidable, such as age and genetics. Age is a significant risk factor because as people grow older, the risk of developing heart disease generally increases due to various changes in the body and cumulative effects on cardiovascular health. Genetics also play a crucial role, as a family history of heart disease can predispose individuals to similar conditions.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often considered a risk factor that can be modified or managed through lifestyle changes and medical intervention. However, hypertension itself can be viewed as a direct health condition rather than a demographic risk factor like age or inherent risk like genetics.

Smoking is a behavioral risk factor that can be changed. Unlike age and genetics, which cannot be altered, smoking is entirely preventable. Eliminating tobacco use significantly reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Thus, smoking is the only factor in this list that is not unavoidable, as individuals have the power to stop smoking and thereby improve their cardiovascular health. This makes it the exception among the listed risk factors.