September 17, 2013 - A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found at least 200,000 of heart disease deaths could have been prevented through "changes in health habits, such as stopping smoking, more physical activity, and less salt in the diet; community changes to create healthier living spaces, such as safe places to exercise and smoke-free areas; and managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes."
According to Michael Lim, MD, co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care (C4) at Saint Louis University Hospital, taking medications, eating a heart healthy diet, exercising regularly and not smoking can help in the fight
"Heart disease isn't something that has to happen to you, and if you have it, its not something that has to kill you," Dr. Lim told KMOX Radio's Fred Bodimer.
To help, the CDC encourages you to know the following risk factors:
