The risk increases as we age, but there are things you can do to prevent these events from happening. Here are the 2007 recommendations by the American Heart Association:

• Calories in should equal calories out, so Move More, and use a 9 inch plate to help control your portions. Our bodies have grown in size as the portions of the food we eat have increased.
  
  
• Get your nutrition from all food groups. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but are lower in calories. To get the nutrients you need, choose foods like vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products and fat-free or low-fat dairy products most often.
  
  
• Eat less nutrition-poor foods such as candy, soda, processed foods and sweets. Use fruits to help fill you up!
  
  
• Don't smoke! Smoking leads to hardening of the arteries!