The Facts

• When one or more of the arteries supplying the heart with oxygen-rich blood becomes blocked, a heart attack occurs. The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors for having a heart attack. Some of these risk factors can be controlled, but others cannot.
  
  

Family History

• If your parents have heart disease, you are more likely to develop it yourself. Although family history is a strong risk factor for heart disease, most people who have a family history of heart disease have one or more other risk factors.
  
  

Other Risk Factors

• Cigarette smoking is a powerful risk factor for sudden cardiac death. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity.
  
  

Considerations

• People with a family history of heart disease share not only genetics, but also common environments and risk factors, such as poor diet and exposure to cigarette smoke. Since you can't control heredity, it is very important to treat and control other risk factors you may have.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Lifestyle changes can go a long way toward preventing a heart attack. Get regular medical checkups and strive to control your weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Quit smoking, exercise regularly and eat a heart-healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains.