Pamela S. Douglas, MD, FACC Responds:

Pamela S. Douglas, MD, president of the American College of Cardiology, responds: Committing to a healthy lifestyle is the best way you can reduce your chances of a heart attack. Good health doesn't happen overnight, and there are some risk factors you can’t change—like your age, gender, and family history. But by following a combination of healthy habits, you can improve your chances of avoiding heart problems.

• Control hypertension. Aim for blood pressure no higher than 140 systolic (top) and 80 diastolic (bottom), with 120/80 being optimal. Know your numbers, and have your blood pressure checked regularly.
• Enjoy a well-balanced diet that's low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high in fiber, and includes at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. (That may seem like a lot, but consider that an 8-ounce glass of orange juice equals a serving.)
• Aim to increase your exercise to at least 30 minutes three or four days each week, with an ideal goal of daily exercise.
• Control diabetes or diabetes risk factors by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and reducing dietary fat intake. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to control heart disease risk.

The American College of Cardiology encourages individuals to work with their physicians to manage all of their risk factors. Additionally, any time you have a significant heart (or related) condition, you may require the attention of a cardiologist.