The American Heart Association offers you an overview of those discoveries in ABCs of Preventing Heart Disease, Stroke and Heart Attack 

Along with the facts and advice you'll find here, this is just the kind of information you need to get started, as you begin to understand the risks of cardiovascular disease in general. You'll also find key facts that can help you assess your personal risk for heart attack, stroke and related conditions.

Just as important, you'll also learn how to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. From engaging in regular physical activity to eating healthy and reducing stress, you'll not only keep your heart happy, you'll put a smile on your face too!

Does this sound like a major life change? Maybe it's all in how you look at it:

• For physical activity, think walking, jogging, cycling or dancing with someone you love
• For a healthy diet, think whole grains, delicious fresh fruits and more
• For reducing stress, think of taking time for your favorite hobby or celebrating your "unbirthday" with your best friend.
• For quitting smoking, think about saving the money you're spending on tobacco for a fun family trip. And read about more ways to stop smoking 

Of course, these are just some of the fun ways you can add heart-healthy habits to your daily routine. So why not get started now? A healthy heart is probably the nicest gift you could give yourself and your loved ones.