Over one million people experience heart attacks in the United States every single year. A good number of those people die as a result. You may be at risk for a heart attack. However, the good news is there are things you can do to stave off that risk. Below are some methods you can use to prevent a heart attack. First, you need to learn just how at risk you are of having a heart attack. Take a trip to your doctor. Ask about what your own personal risk is for developing Heart disease. There may be some risk factors you are unable to change. These include gender, age, and heredity. However, there are also likely to be risk factors you can deal with. Such risk factors can include smoking, high blood pressure levels, high levels of cholesterol, Diabetes, lack of exercise, and obesity. Your doctor should be able to calculate your risk for heart disease based on all these factors. He or she can also give you advice on how to lower your risk. Next, you should start keeping track of certain numbers related to your health. These should include your cholesterol levels, your blood pressure, your weight, and your blood sugar levels. Once you learn these, write them down and keep that piece of paper in a folder for easy access. You'll want to monitor these numbers on a regular basis and track their progress. If you can get these numbers closer to where they should be for a healthy person of your gender, weight, and age, you'll certainly lower your risk of having a heart attack. Once you have done all this, it's time to start making some lifestyle changes. Part of this will be a change in diet. You should start eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Avoid foods high in fat, calories, and cholesterol. Also become much more active. This includes exercising most days of the week. A healthy person typically performs aerobic exercise for about half an hour a day. However, consult with your doctor to find out what kind of exercise is safe for you. Perhaps, your doctor will tell you to only perform brisk walking as part of your exercise plan. Whatever the case, if you are healthy enough for exercise, develop an exercise routine that you can stick to for the long haul.