Whether or not you are at risk for heart disease depends on a variety of factors. Some, like your age, sex, and family history, are beyond your control. Others, like whether or not you smoke, are completely within your power to change. If you wonder about your personal risk for developing heart disease, take a moment to answer the following questions. (Check any statement that is true for you.) I am a male.

I am over age 50.

I have an existing heart condi tion.

I have a family history of heart disease.

I have a family history of high blood pressure.

I have high blood pressure.

I do not know my blood pres sure level.

I have diabetes.

I have a family history of dia betes.

I am more than 10 pounds overweight.

I have a family history of high cholesterol levels.

I have a high cholesterol level.

I do not know my cholesterol level.

I consume more than one to two alcoholic drinks daily.

I eat eggs, red meat, fried and/ or fatty foods frequently.

I smoke cigarettes.

I do not exercise regularly, or exercise less than 3 times weekly.

I have a very stressful job.

I rarely have time to relax.

Find The Results Heart disease risk is cumulative. That means that the more risk factors you have, the greater your risk for developing heart disease. Each of the above statements reflects a personal risk factor for heart disease. The more statements you've checked off, the greater your risk. Re-read your answers.

Identify those factors that are within your control. Then, you can begin to reduce your risk by gradually eliminating those behaviours that you can change. Don't expect change to happen overnight. Start by working on one unhealthy habit at a time, and soon you'll be on your way to a heart-healthier way of life.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES -- For good health, include lots of produce in your diet and use fats, oils and sweets sparingly. Reduce your intake of eggs, red meat and fried foods for a healthy heart.