Prevention

While people cannot control their family history and genetics, they can minimize risk factors for heart disease:

• quit smoking
  
  
• manage high blood pressure,
  
  
• manage cholesterol,
  
  
• manage diabetes, 
  
  
• exercise regularly
  
  
• take a baby aspirin a day.

These are all lifelong challenges to prevent heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Even with the best of preventive care, heart attacks happen. Develop an emergency plan should chest pain occur and make certain you and your family know how to activate the Emergency Medical Services and 911.