Did you know that 80 percent of heart cases result from risk factors including high blood pressure, unhealthy cholestrol levels, diabetes and smoking?  Recognize your risk, Know your numbers...

Know the factors that increase your chance of heart disease. Eighty percent of cases result from common risk factors, including: hypertension, unhealthy cholesterol levels (high LDL or low HDL), diabetes and smoking. Cardiovascular disease is also highly hereditary. Be familiar with your family history and receive more frequent screenings if a close relative has experienced heart problems.

Keep cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and glucose in check. Even if you feel healthy, visit your primary physician regularly to monitor your levels. You want to meet these target numbers:

Total cholesterol:

• below 200 mg/dLLDL (bad cholesterol) should be below

• 130 mg/dLHDL (good cholesterol) should be above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women
• Blood pressure: 120/80 mm/HgTriglycerides: below 150 mg/dL
• Blood glucose: below 100 mg/dL

*Target numbers recommended by the National Heart,Lung and Blood Institute

Develop good habits
In addition to regular checkups, physicians recommend you:
*Eat five to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day
*Lower your intake of fatty foods
*Exercise at least 30 minutes, five days per week
*Drink alcohol in moderation
*Eliminate use of tobacco