Among Americans, heart disease remains the top cause of most of the deaths every year. Stroke is the number three on the list. With consistent efforts from everywhere people are now switching over to healthier lifestyle.

February is observed as American Heart Month to create awareness among the masses about how to prevent heart diseases and maintain a healthy heart.

Jayme George Sandberg, communications director for the American Heart Association's Midwest Affiliate said, "Preventing heart disease is so simple, it almost seems like it's cheating."

He stated that not many efforts were needed for adopting a healthier lifestyle. Prefer stairs rather then the elevator and you can make a lot of difference.

He added that 80 per cent of cardiovascular disease is preventable.

It is evident that progress has been made after the American Heart Association managed a 25 per cent dip in the number of deaths in the first decade of the 21st century.

AHA's new goal is to create a 20 per cent decline in the number of deaths from cardiovascular deaths and improvement in heart health of Americans by 20 per cent is also aimed.

She said that smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are the main factors responsible for an ailing heart.

For further information on a number of resources one can visit AHA's Web site www. heart. org.