Though heart disease can be hereditary, many people can lower their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by making lifestyle changes. Want to know what kinds of lifestyle changes you need to make? Find out what your "heart numbers" are. Heart numbers are markers for heart disease risk, and a few simple tests will tell you yours. Ask your doctor to test your:

• C-reactive protein levels
• blood pressure
• cholestorel
• body mass index
• fasting blood sugar

Knowing where you stand can help you decide where you need to go with your health, and help you make decisions about exercise, diet, and medication, if necessary.