What are some steps each middle-aged individual should take to prevent heart disease?

Prevention of heart disease is actually a life-long quest. But it's never too late to pick up the journey and head in the right direction. Certainly if you are a smoker -- stop! Perhaps it's easier said than done but it's worth seeking professional help to stop the habit, especially if it's a lifelong addiction. Find other ways to relieve stress and reward yourself. Of course exercise and the right diet play an enormous role; these you are capable of modifying. You can't change your genes, but you should be aware of what diseases run in the family. For example, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. all can have an impact on heart health and that's why a thorough physical is a worthwhile investment to identify problems and treat them early. We've all heard of people who die suddenly, even as young as in their fifties, from a heart attack and everyone is shocked. Chances are there were some warning signs that weren't picked up on. For those who can avail themselves of ...  more