Cigarette smoking is the leading behavioral risk factor for cardiovascular death in the United States. However,​

A) ​cigar and pipe smoking are unrelated to cardiovascular deaths.
B) ​the increase in men's smoking habits would predict an even greater risk of cardiovascular deaths in the future.
C) ​declining rates of smoking have led to decreases in cardiovascular deaths due to cigarette smoking.
D) ​diet remains the leading behavioral risk factor for cardiovascular death in other parts of the world.

Declining rates of smoking have indeed led to decreases in cardiovascular deaths due to cigarette smoking. While cigar and pipe smoking may also increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, cigarettes remain the main culprit due to their widespread use and high nicotine and chemical content. While men's smoking habits have contributed to the problem in the past, trends suggest that rates of cigarette smoking are decreasing across all genders. Finally, while diet is indeed a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in some parts of the world, smoking remains the leading behavioral risk factor for cardiovascular death globally.