No one wants to die before their time, yet millions of Americans increase their chances of having a heart attack by things they do every day. What can you do to lower your chances of a heart attack?

Smoking is the most important factor that young men and women can change. It increases the chances of a heart attack much more in a person less than 50 years of age than in those over 50 years old. Women who smoke and use birth control pills also increase their risk of heart disease compared to women who do not smoke or use birth control pills. If you smoke, you should stop.

Some people have high levels of cholesterol in their blood. These people have a higher than average chance of having heart attacks. People who have too much cholesterol in their blood can reduce the chances of having a heart attack by lowering their cholesterol. You and your family should ask your doctor to check your cholesterol levels. Unless your level is high, you do not need to repeat this test very often. Knowing your total blood cholesterol level is an important first step in changing your risk for heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends a number of steps you can take to prevent heart disease:
* quit smoking,
* check your cholesterol and treat it if it is high,
* after checking with your doctor, exercise 30 minutes or more 3 or 4 times a week,
* lose weight if you are more than 20 percent overweight, and
* check your blood pressure and treat it if it is high.

To learn more, contact your local American Heart Association office or call (800) 242-8721.

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