Heart attacks run in the family

3 out of 4 of my great grandparents died from a heart attack. My grandpa died from a heart attack at 45. All 16 of his brothers and sisters had open heart surgery. My grandma, his wife, had a heart attack and had a tripple by pass. My mothers cholesterol was 450 when she was 22. My cholesterol is 160. What can i do to decrease my odds of these things? any information will be appreciated.

[kenkeith]

All risk factors for heart disease should be under control.  Very low lipid profile, blood pressure below normal, exercise, proper diet, heart healthy livestyle, etc.

[Encephalomalcia]

To reduce risk factors of heart disease make sure that your LDL level is 100 or below, HDL in the 50's for females, 40's for males, triglyercide levels 150 or below.  Eliminate red meat from your diet or reduce it.  I dropped my LDL and triglyercide levels tremendously when I stopped eating red meat for a year.  My LDL is 79 and triglyercides 35.  I can relate with you.  All of my mom's side of the family over 100 people have heart disease now or have died from it.  My dad's side of the family had heart failure on his father's side and his mother had heart failure but not until she was 90.  A lot of my friends have heart disease along with co-workers.  Think about how your grandparents ate, and make sure that you do not have the same eating habits.  Organic fruits and vegetables are best to eat along with brown rice.  Salmon is great for the omega 3 and buy eggs with omega 3.  Monitor your cholesterol through blood work every year to make sure that the levels are not going up.  Monitor your blood pressure to make sure that it is staying within the normal range.  Stay active.  Take care.