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?

People who have a history of heart disease in their family and men, in general, have a higher risk of heart attack. You cannot change these parts of your life, but you can lower your risk of heart attack.

Tobacco smoke, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and physical inactivity are the four major risk factors for heart disease that you can change. If you smoke you should stop. If you have another risk factor for heart disease, such as high blood cholesterol, smoking will make the risk from this other factor much worse.

You can take a number of steps to improve your chances of avoiding a heart attack. Research has shown that by:
* quitting smoking,
* lowering your cholesterol by eating a healthy, low-fat diet or by taking a medication, if necessary,
* controlling your blood pressure, and
* exercising regularly,

you can lower your risk of heart attack. If you want more information, contact your local American Heart Association office or call (800) 242-8721.

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