Jump-start your heart

• Know the risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, hypertension, inactivity, obesity, and smoking.
• Use an online calculator to determine your risk. See the one at www.cardiacriskcalculator.org.
• If your risk is elevated, do something: Treat your hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, and exercise, lose weight, and stop smoking.
• Consider discussing with your physician the pros and cons of taking a daily aspirin.