To read more and watch a video click here.

To politicians and journalists alike, veteran newsman Tim Russert was larger than life. Sadly, so was the silent killer lurking inside him.

The 58-year-old moderator of “Meet the Press” died last Friday of an apparent heart attack. According to Dr. Michael Newman, Russert’s personal physician, the journalist suffered from coronary artery disease. He died when a cholesterol plaque ruptured in an artery, causing sudden coronary thrombosis. An autopsy also revealed that Russert had an enlarged heart.

Russert’s doctor claims he was managing his heart disease with medication and exercise, and that his blood pressure and cholesterol were “well controlled”. He also passed a stress test on April 29th.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and something I see all too often. Time and time again, patient after patient, I’ve said to myself, “if only I had seen him/her sooner.”

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. CAD stems from the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. As those arteries harden and narrow, blood flow decreases, depriving the heart muscle of the blood and oxygen it needs. The result, as in Russert’s case, can often be fatal.  But, what most people don’t know is that heart disease can be avoided altogether.

In fact, treatment isn’t nearly as effective as prevention.  While you can’t change your family history, age and race, there are several ways in which you can boost your immunity when it comes to heart disease.

1. Stop Lighting Up

Without question, quitting smoking is the single most preventable risk for heart disease.  And, it doesn’t take long to see results.  Your risk for heart disease drops dramatically within the first year you stop smoking.

2. Get Physical

Regular physical activity increases blood flow to your heart and allows your heart to pump more blood with less effort.  And, we all know exercise helps to control weight.  It can also reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, all of which can put an extra strain on the heart. You should aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity a day.  And, don’t forget, tasks such as gardening and walking the dog can add to your goal.

3. Eat Heart Smart

By now, we all know the importance of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.  But, keeping close tabs on your intake of saturated and trans fats is also essential as both raise your risk by raising cholesterol.  Cutting back on red meat, and sugar can make a dramatic difference. And, alcohol is allowed – provided it’s in moderation.  In fact, one or two glasses of red wine a day can actually help safeguard your heart.  It should also be noted that red grapes have the same heart smart ingredient.

4. Watch Your Weight

Make sure you don’t tip the scales.  Excess weight can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.  Even a considerably small reduction in weight – 10 percent – can help strengthen your heart.

5. Take the Tests

You aren’t likely to know you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol without screening for them.  Regular screenings can tell you whether you need to take action. It’s best to check blood pressure every two years, and measure cholesterol every five. Patients with multiple risk factors should also request their doctor perform a CAT scan of the heart even if they have a normal echocardiogram, and, as in Russert’s case, a normal stress test.  Stress tests fail to detect nearly 50 percent of all heart disease cases.

Unfortunately, heart disease only makes headlines after it’s too late.  But, it doesn’t have to be that way.  Heart disease can actually be prevented before it strikes.

To read more and watch a video click here.

Dr. Akram Khan has been practicing cardiovascular medicine in McKinney since 1997. After years of treating people for illnesses that could have easily been prevented with proper care, he started the Center for Preventive Medicine in McKinney . For more information, visit www.savingtheheart.com