2)    Each year, about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. The vast majority are the first attack, with about 210,000 experiencing their second, third, etc.

3)    Are you at risk for a heart attack? Many factors go into that determination. Age increases the odds for damaged, narrowed, weakened, or thickened arteries or heart muscles. Family history, poor diet, other health conditions, lack of exercise, obesity, stress and poor hygiene are other contributors.

4)    Most people should strive to achieve a body mass index of less than 25 and a waist circumference of 35 inches or less.

5)    Heart-healthy foods are low in saturated fat, salt and added sugar. That means eating lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less processed foods.

6)    Stress is a silent killer, helping to raise blood pressure and strain the body. Meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques or increased general exercise (even walking) can help reduce stress levels.

7)    Depression can increase the risk of heart disease by working to undermine the body’s defenses. Get professional help to deal with the issue.

8)    The optimal cholesterol level range is an LDL level of less than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) or ¾ millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Those with a lot of other risk factors for heart disease should aim even lower, with an LDL less than 100 mg/DL (2.6 mmol/L). Those at high risk – a previous heart attack, diabetic or with severe job stress – should try for an LDL level at 70 mg/dL (1/8 mmol/L).

9)    Heart disease is largely color and ethnicity-blind. It is the leading cause of death for African-Americans, Hispanics, and whites and second to cancer for American Indians, Alaskan Natives and Pacific Islanders.