Smokers have more than twice as many heart attacks as non-smokers. Sudden cardiac deaths occur two to four times more frequent in smokers.

High blood pressure is a silent killer because it has few noticeable symptoms until tragedy strikes.

High blood cholesterol levels between 240 mg/dl increases the risk of heart disease, while levels greater than 240mg/dl double the risk.

Diabetes increases the risk of heart attack because; it raises blood cholesterol levels, and can damage blood vessels if not treated.

Men have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than women. During the child bearing years, women produce hormones that help blood cholesterol. Women however, loose this protection after menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries, and women over 55 years have a 10 times greater risk than younger women.

Age: 55% of heart attacks occur in people aged 65 years or older.

For some reasons presently unknown, people of African descent have a much greater risk of developing high blood pressure than whites; twice as many have moderately high blood pressure, and three times as many have extremely high blood pressure.

Obesity: Excess weight forces the heart to work harder.

Physical inactivity is a major factor because, people who seldom exercise, do not recover as well from heart attacks.

Excessive emotional stress over a prolonged period appears to increase the risk of heart diseases.

Birth control pills can worsen other risk factors.

Heavy intake of alcohol preempts high blood pressure and can lead to heart failure. Although, it is best to maintain, alcohol is best only if it is consumed in moderate amounts. However, if you avoid it completely, you are not loosing anything. Rather, you are on the winning side.

HOW TO PREVENT SUDDEN DEATH:

1) Every individual in middle age, irrespective of health statistics should go for regular medical check up at least twice a year.

2) Foods such as eggs, cheese, butter, hard margarine, fatty meat, refined or simple sugar, cakes and confectioneries as well as others containing saturated fats should be reduced to a minimum intake level.

3) Avoid fatty foods or minimize intake.

4) Substitute fish, chicken without skin, lean meat and beans as source of protein.

5) It is healthier and economical to increase the intake of fibre-rich foods like vegetable fruits.

6) It is advisable to cook or fry with unsaturated oil like Soya oil.

7) Refrain from adding salt to food at the table, or taking salty snacks.

Avoid excessive intake of alcohol.

9) Refrain from smoking.