As we get older, we’re more at risk for heart disease, and we can’t change our family history or genetics.

However, Morris Kelley, M.D. says there are lifestyle choices and medical therapies that can lower our risk of heart disease.

“The other risk factors we worry about are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, lack of exercise – those sort of things,” said Dr. Kelley.

Dr. Kelly said you can go see your primary care doctor and have them take measurements on a regular basis because you never know when those things are going to come up.

It's also smart to know what your blood pressure is, what your cholesterol is, and what your blood glucose level is.

"The earlier you can identify those risk factors and those things you can change, the better off you are. The earlier we can identify the disease and start the treatment process, the better life you’re going to have," said Dr. Kelley.

Learn more about heart care at CHI St. Vincent.