The only reason results would be made available earlier is if there were a really dramatic reduction in risk discovered, or if there were any safety issues raised. Well over 50 percent of heart disease can be prevented through healthy lifestyle practices. That's what's most surprising, that heredity isn't destiny. We really do have tremendous control over our risk of developing these major diseases. First, not smoke.
Smoking substantially increases the risk of having a heart attack.
Secondly, regular physical activity is tremendously important in preventing heart disease, and that usually will lead to lower body weight, less weight gain with age, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even as little as thirty minutes per day of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, can protect the heart. It may be the type of fat that's more important than the total amount of fat. For instance, the bad types of fat are saturated fats and the trans fatty acids. The latter are found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and are very common in pastries, certain margarines, and in french fries.