Research points to six different factors that can lead to heart disease. One of the most significant of these is physical inactivity. Heart disease is a condition that develops when plaque, or fatty deposits, build up in the coronary arteries, which carry blood to the heart. This buildup causes these blood vessels to become blocked. It can also lead to the formation of masses of thickened blood, that is, blood clots. Physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, not only because inactivity is a risk factor itself but also because of the effect it can have on some of the other risk factors. For example, studies have shown that people who follow a routine of taking daily walks are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than people who follow no regular exercise routine.