Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States The CDC reports that 40% of premature deaths can be prevented by changing certain risk factors. There are some risk factors that you can control and change such as smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet or stress to reduce your chances of having a heart attack. Leong, McGorrian, and Graham wrote about the Framingham Health Study which was conducted in 1948 and recruited 5,209 healthy residents, all between the ages of 30 and 60. It is the first major cardiovascular study to enroll women. The authors reported: “Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 16.7 million deaths (29.2% of total mortality) worldwide in 2003.” (Leong, McGorrian, & Graham, 2008, p. 6) Important findings from this study concerned the effects of smoking and the role that cholesterol and hypertension play on heart disease. My grandfather and aunt died at an early age and my father had three heart attacks. My father took preventative measures since this is hereditary by exercising most days, not smoking, eating healthier, and scheduling regular medical checkups. You can help prevent heart disease by creating healthier lifestyle strategies that include a nutritious diet, moderate exercise and managing stress levels. First, you need to eat healthier meals by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Next, exercises such as cardio, weight lifting and stretching that can strengthen the heart muscle. Finally, knowing the difference between positive, negative, optimal and chronic stress levels. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables and proteins into your diet is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. Dietary fiber plays an important role in h...... middle of paper...... Lots of fruits and vegetables? | LIVESTRONG.COM. . Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/261132-can-you-eat-too-many-fruits-verdura/Smith, M., Segal, R., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Symptoms, signs and causes of stress. Symptoms, signs and causes of stress: effects of stress overload. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htmUsing Exercise Videos: A Good Way to Exercise?. (n.d.). / Fitness / Exercises. Retrieved from http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/using-exercise-videos-a-good-way-to-work-out.htmlWeight training volume: how many sets, repetitions and exercises? . (n.d.). A workout routine. Retrieved from http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/weight-training-volume/World Health, O. (2003). Diet, nutrition and prevention of chronic diseases: report of a joint WHO/FAO expert consultation. Geneva: World Health Organization.