Ultrafine particles found in air pollution surrounding urban areas may be a considerable risk factor for heart disease. Researchers found that those pollutants negatively impacted HDL, or "good," cholesterol.

Second-hand smoke is a serious heart attack risk among non-smokers—even those without other risk factors for heart disease. A study from Indiana University found that smoking bans in public places was an effective form of heart attack and heart disease prevention.

The earlier in life children reach their lowest body mass index (BMI) signals potential heart disease risk factors and may become evident as early as age 7, researchers reported at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2007.

Even though statistics show most American adults who die from are people living with heart disease, more than one in three such people do not plan on getting a flu shot this year.