Several hundred people die from heart disease every day, and many of them are not aware of having it. Many people will die from their first heart attack, even though they have not had any previous symptoms to even be aware that it is on the way. There are several high school athletes that die every year from heart disease even though they are physically fit and young. You can help to reduce your risk by eating a healthy diet, controlling your weight, avoiding a lot of fatty foods and high cholesterol foods, avoiding high stress situations when possible, not smoking or drinking alcohol or a lot of caffeine, limit your use of added salt. etc. A family history of heart disease also puts you at higher risk and makes it even more important to avoid some of the other risk factors.