Although genetics certainly play an important role in determining who is most likely to develop heart disease, controllable risk factors may well be even more important. According to many doctors, the five most important controllable risk factors are:

• Total cholesterol levels
• HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) level
• Blood pressure
• Smoking
• Body weight

Studies have shown that by avoiding or controlling all five of these major risk factors, 80% or more of heart attacks can be prevented. Knowing this can inspire you to adopt a healthier lifestyle. It's especially important for women to take a proactive approach to cardiovascular health, because the traditional tests may not detect CHD in women. Unlike men, who tend to have bulky, irregular plaques, women may have diffuse plaques spread out evenly along arterial walls.

You can best support the health of your heart and your blood vessels by eating plentiful fruits, vegetables, and fish, exercising and maintaining a healthy body weight, and by controlling high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure if you have them. What you don't do can be just as important as what you do do, so quit if you smoke, and drink alcohol only in moderation (one drink a day). You'll probably find the benefits carry over and that you have more energy, sleep better, and have a more positive outlook on life.

More on this topic

Women & Cardiovascular Disease (VIDEO)
Women & Heart Health
The Marvel
Women's Symptoms
How Arteries Age
Stroke: Blood, Interrupted
Pregnancy & Cardiovascular Changes
Risk Factors
Treatment
Prevention
3D Heart Rotation

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