Which of the following individuals exhibits a lifestyle choice that carries the greatest risk of developing coronary heart disease and suffering sudden cardiac death?

While a sedentary lifestyle is indeed a risk factor for heart disease, it is generally less immediate than the risks posed by smoking. Lack of exercise contributes to obesity, hypertension, and poor cardiovascular fitness, which can gradually increase heart disease risk but does not carry the acute dangers associated with heavy smoking.

Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health by contributing to high blood pressure and unhealthy lifestyle choices, but it is not as directly linked to immediate cardiovascular events as smoking. Stress management is important, but it does not pose as direct a risk as smoking does.

Moderate alcohol consumption, such as one glass of wine daily, may even have some protective cardiovascular effects. While excessive drinking is harmful, moderate alcohol intake is generally not associated with the same level of risk for coronary heart disease as heavy smoking.